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Christopher 
Carson 

Known as Kit Carson 

By 
JOHN S. C. ABBOTT 




New York 

Dodd, Mead and Company 
Publishers 

'1 






Copyright, 1873, 

BY 

DODD & MEAD. 



Copyright 1901, by 
lyAURA Abbott Buck 



The library of 

eONGRESS, 

Two Copies Received 

NOV. t6 1901 

COPVRIQHT ENTRV 

CLAsi'CC XXc. No. 

/ u- ^^ sT ^ 

COPY 3. ' 






PREFACE. 



It is a prominent object of this volume to bring to 
light the wild adventures of the pioneers of this conti- 
nent, in the solitudes of the mountains, the prairies and 
\he forests ; often amidst hostile Indians, and faraway 
from the restraints and protection of civilization. This 
strange, weird-like life is rapidly passing away, before 
the progress of population, railroads and steamboats. 
But it is desirable that the memory of it should*^ not 
drift into oblivion. I think that almost every reader 
of this narrative will be somewhat surprised, in its de- 
velopment of the character of Christopher Carson. 
With energy and fearlessness never surpassed, he was 
certainly one of the most gentle, upright, and lovable 
of men. It is strange that the wilderness could have 
formed so estimable a character. America will not per- 
mit the virtues of so illustrious a son to be forgotten. 

JOHN S. C. ABBOTT. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER 1. 
Early Training, 

PAQB 

Birth of Christopher Carson. — Perils of the Wilderness. — Neces- 
sary Cautions. — Romance of the Forest. — The Far West. — 
The Encampment. — The Cabin and the Fort. — Kit an Ap- 
prentice. — The Alarm. — Destruction of a Trading Band, — 
The Battle and the Flight. — Sufferings of the Fugitives.— 
Dreadful Fat- of Mr. Schenck.— Features of the Westcra 
Wilderness.— The March .9 

CHAPTER n. 

Life in the Wilderness, 

k. Surgical Operation. — A Winter with Kin Cade.— Stndy of the 
Languages and Geography. — Return towards Missouri.— 
Engagement with a new Company and Strange Adven- 
tures. — The Rattlesnake. — Anecdote of Kit Carson. — The 
Sahara. — New Engagements. — Trip to El Paso. — Trapping 
and Hunting. — Prairie Scenery. — The Trapper's Outfit — 
Night Encampment. — Testimony of an Amateur Hunter. • 89 

CHAPTER HL 

Among the Trappers, 

The Discomfited Trappers. — The New Party Organized. — ^A 1^ 
Battle with the Indians.— Trapping on the Colorado.— 
March to the Sacramento. — The Friendly Indians. — Cros»- 
ing the Desert. — Instinct of the Mule. — The Enchanting 



VI • cox . IlN lb. 

PAGB 

Valley of the Colorado. —The Mission of San J*briel. — Vast 
Heras of Cattle. — The Mission of San Fernando. — Adven- 
tures in the Valley of San Joaquin. — The Meeting of two 
Trapping Bands. — Reasons for Kit Carson's Celebrity. — A 
MiliUry Expedition. — The Indian Horse Thieves. — The 
Pursuit and Capture 51 

CHAPTER IV. 

Conflicts with the Ifidians. 

The American Trapper. — The Trapper of the Hudson's Bay 
Company. — The Return Trip. — Polished Life in the Wil- 
derness. — The Spanish Gentlemen. — Council of the Trap- 
pers. — Self-possession of Kit Carson. — The Camp Cleared 
of Intruders. — Robbing the Robbers. — Sale of the Furs. — 
Mr. Fitzpatrick's Expedition. — Pains and Pleasures ol 
Rocky Mountain Life. — Pursuit of Indian Horse Thieves.— 
Extraordinary Battle 72 

CHAPTER V 

Marches and Encampments, 

The Encampment Among the Rocky Mountains. — The At- 
tempted Stampede. — Retreat and Pursuit by the Savages.— 
The Alarm. — Loss of the Horses. — Their Recovery. — En- 
terprise of Kit Carson. — Fight with the Indians. — The Littcrf 
for the Wounded. — Union of the two Trapping Parties. — 
Successful Return to Tos. — Carson joins a Trading 
Party. — Chivalric Adventures. — Attacked by Bears. . 94 

CHAPTER VI. 

Tfu Rendezvous, 

Fair in the Wilderness. — The Encampment. — Dispersion of the 
Trappers. — Hostility of the Blackfeet. — Camp on the Big 
Snake River. — The Blackfeet Marauders. — The Pursuit. — 
The Calumet.— The Battle.— Kit Carson wounded. -The 



CONTENTS. VH 

rAOB 

Rencontre with Shunan. — The Defeat and Himiliation jf 
Shunan. — Remarkable Modesty of Carson. — Testimony to 
Mc Carson's Virtues , ISl 

CHAPTER VII 

War with the Blackfeet Indians, 

iJnsuccessful Trapping. — Disastrous March to Fort Hall. — The 
Feast upon Horse-flesh. — The Hunting Expedition, — It» 
Rare Attractions. — Dogged by the Blackfeet. — Safe Arrival 
at the Fort. — All their Animals Stolen by the Indians.— 
Expedition to the Blackfeet Country. — Winter Quarters 
with the Friendly Indians. — Sufferings of the Animals. — 
Return to the Blackfeet Country. — Battle with the Indians. 
— Incidents of the Battle 141 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Encampments and Battles. 

The Renewal of the Battle.— Peculiarities of the Fight.— The ^ 
Rout. — Encampment in the Indian Village. — Number of 
Trappers among the Mountains. — The New Rendezvous. — 
Picturesque Scene of the Encampment. — The Missionary 
and the Nobleman. — Brown's Hole. — The Navajoes. — Kit 
Carson Purveyor at the Fort. — Trapping at the Black Hills. 
— Again upon the Yellowstone. — Pleasant Winter Quarters. 
— Signs of the Indians. — Severe Conflict. — Reappearance of 
the Indians. — Their utter Discomfiture. . . . i6c 

CHAPTER IX. 

The Trappers Elysium. 

Trapping on the Missouri. — Attacked by the Blackfeet. — The 
Battle. — Persevering Hostility of the Indians. — The Trap- 
pers driven from the Country. — Repair to the North Fork.— 
Cheerful Encampments. — Enchanting Scene. — Village of 
the Flatheads. — The Blessings of Peace. — Carson's Knowl- 
edge of Languages. — Pleasant Winter Quarters on the Big 



n? 



yll\ C< INTENTS. 

Snake Kiver.-Successful Trapping.-W inter at BroAn's 
Holr.-Tripto Fort Bent.-Peculiar Characters.-Wilhams 
and MitcheL-IIunter at Fort Bent.-Marriage.-Visit to 
the States 

CHAPTER X. 

Fremonfs Expedition. 

Caison's Visit to his Childhood'? Home.-On the Steamer.-In- 
troduction to Frcmont.-Object of Fremont's Expedrtion.- 
Toins the Expedition.-Organization of the Party.-The 
Encampment-Enchanting View. -Fording the Kansas.- 
The Stormy Night.— The Boys on Guard.— The Alarm.— 
The Returning Trappers.-The Homeless Adventurer.- 
Thrce Indians ioin the Party.-First sight of the Bufifalocs. 
—The Chase. .... . . . ^97 

CHAPTER XI. 

The Returfi of the Expedition, 

Beautiful Prairie Scene.-Fate of the Luiialo Calf.-Vast Buffalo 
Herds.— The Fourth of July on the Plains.— Journey up 
the South Fork of the Platte.— Visit to Fort St. Vrain.- 
Remonr.trance of the Chiefs.— Second Marriage of Mr. Cat- 
son.— New Engagements.— Perilous Ride to Santa Fe.— 
The Successful Mission.— The Noble Mexican Boy.— Con- 
fiict with the Savages.— Discomfiture of the Indians.— Fre- 
mont's Second Expedition.— Carson joins the Party.— 
Course of the Expedition.— Arrival at the Great Salt Lake. . tl? 

CHAPTER XII. 

Marches and Battles. 

Entering the Lake.— Dangerous Navigation.— The Return to 
Camp.— Feast upon Horse Flesh.— Meeting the Indians.— 
JoyfU Meeting.— Return to Fort Hall.— Feasting at the 
Fort.— The Party Diminished.— The Journey down Snake 



CONTENTS. be 

Riyer. — Crossing the Sierra Nevada. — Caison Rescues Fre- 
mont. — Fort Sutter. — Heroic A Jiievement of Carson. — Dis- 
banding the Party. — The third Expedition. — Crossing the 
Desert. — Threatened by the Mexicans. — Fight with the 
Indians. — The Surprise. — Chastisement of the Indians. . 736 

CHAPTER XIII. 

The Dispatch Bearer. 

Cclonel Fremont. — Hazardous Undertaking of Kit Carson.— 
Carson's Courage and Prudence. — Threatened Danger.— 
Interview with General Kearney, and Results. — Severe 
Skirmish. — Wonderful Escape of Carson. — Daring Adven- 
ture. — Fearful Suffering ^ Lieutenant Beale. — Carson's 
Journey to Washington. — A ^ventures on his Return. . 2%% 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Thi Chivalry of the Wilderness. 

Injustice of the Government. — Heroic Resolve of Mr. Carson.— 
Indian Outrages. — The valley of Razado. — Barbaric Mur- 
ders by Apaches. — An Exciting Chase. — An Attractive Pic- 
ture. — Plot of Fox Overthrown. — Gift of Messrs. Brevoort 
and Weatherhead. — Adventure with the Cheyennes. . . 272 

CHAPTER XV. 

Recollections of Mountain Life. 

<Iharacter of the Native Indian. — The Caravan. — Interesting 
Incident. — Effects of Cholera. — Commission of Joe Smith. — 
Smow on the Mountains. — Government Appointment. — 
Adventure with three Bears. — Journey to Los Angelos. — Mt, 
St. Bernardino. — The Spring. — Character of Men. — In- 
subordination Quelled. — Suffering for Water and Relief. — 
A Talk with Indians. . . .... 286 



^ CONTENTS, 

CHAPTER XVI. 
Recollections of Mountain Life, 

PAGB 

Position of 1 le Spring.— The Cache.— Kit Carson's Char*ctei 
and Appearance. — Cool Bravery of a Mountain Trapper. — 
Untamed Character of Many Hunters. — The Surveyor's 
Camp in an Indian Territory. — Terrors from Indians. — Joe 
Walker. — A Mountain Man. — Soda Lake. — Optical Illu- 
sion.— Camp on Beaver Lake.— The Piyute Chief.— Conver 
sation with Him. — An Alarm. — A Battle 306 

CHAPTER XVIL 

Frontier Desperadoes and Savage Ferocity, 

Original Friendliness of the Indians. — The River Pirates, Col- 
bert and Magilbray. — Capture of Beausoliel. — His Rescue 
by the Negro Cacasotte. — The Cave in the Rock. — The 
Robber Mason. — His Assassination. — Fate of the Assassins. 
— Hostility of the Apaches. — Expedition of Lieutenant 
Davidson. — Carson's Testimony in his Favor. — Flight of 
the Apaches. 329 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

The Last Days of Kit Carson, 

The Hunting Party. — Profits of Sheep Raising. — Governmental 
Appointment. — Carson's Talk with the Apaches. — His 
Home in Taos. — His Character. — Death of Christopher 
Oarson. ?3? 

CHAPTER XIX. 
The Last Hours of Kit Carson, 



Christopher Carson. 



CHAPTER I. 
Early Training. 

Birth of Christopher Carson. — Perils of the Wilderness. — Necessary 
Cautions. — Romance of the Forest. — The Far West. — The 
Encampment. — The Cabin and the Fort. — Kit an Apprentice. — 
The Alarm. — Destruction of a Trading Band. — The Battle and 
the Flight. — Sufferings of the Fugitives. — Dreadful Fate of Mr. 
Schenck. — Features of the Western Wilderness. — The March. 

Christopher Carson, whose renown as Kit 
Carson has reached almost every ear in the country 
was born in Madison county, Kentucky, on the 24th 
of December, 1809. Large portions of Kentucky 
then consisted ol an almost pathless wilderness, with 
magnificent forest!*, free from underbrush, alive with 
game, and with luxuriant meadows along the rivei 
banks, inviting the settler's cabin and the plough. 

There were then many Indians traversing those 
9irilds. The fearless emigrants, who ventured to rcaf 



CO CHRISTOPTIKR CARSON. 

their huts in such solitudes, found it necessary ever 
to be prepared for an attack. 

But very little reliance could be placed even in 
the friendly protestations of the vagabond savages, 
ever prowling about, and almost as devoid of intelH- 
gence or conscience, as the wolves which at midnight 
were heard howling around the settler's door. The / 
family of Mr. Carson occupied a log cabin, which 
was bullet-proof, with portholes through which their 
rifles could command every appro ich. Women and 
children were alike taught the use of the rifle, that 
in case of an attack by any blood-thirsty gang, the 
whole family might resolve itself into a military 
garrison. Not a tree or stump was left, within mus- 
ket shot of the house, behind which an Indian could 
secrete himself. 

Almost of necessity, under these circumstances, 
any bright, active boy would become a skilful marks- 
man. A small garden was cultivated where corn, 
beans and a few other vegetables were raised, but 
the main subsistence of the family consisted of the 
game with which forest, meadow and lake were 
stored. The settler usually reared his cabin upon 
the banks of some stream ahve with fishes. There 
were no schools to take up the time of the boys ; no 
books to read. Wild geese, ducks and other water 
fowl, sported upon the bosom of the river or the 



CARLY TRAINING. 1 1 

lake, whose waters no paddle wheel or even keel 
disturbed. Wild turkeys, quails, and pigeons at 
times, swept the air like clouds. And then there 
was the intense excitement of occationally bringing 
down a deer, and even of shooting a ferocious grizzly 
bear or wolf or catamount. The romance of the sea 
creates a Robinson Crusoe. The still greater ro- 
mance of the forest creates a Kit Carson. It often 
makes even an old man's blood thrill in his veins, to 
contemplate the wild and wondrous adventures, which 
this majestic continent opened to the pioneers of 
half a century ago. 

Gradually, in Kentucky, the Indians disappeared, 
either dying off, or pursuing their game in the un- 
explored realms nearer the setting sun. Emigrants, 
from the East, in large numbers entered the State, 
Game, both in forest and meadow, became scarce ; 
and the father of Kit Carson, finding settlers crowd- 
ing him, actually rearing their huts within two or 
three miles of his cabin, abandoned his home to find 
more room in the still more distant West. 

Christopher was then the youngest child, a babe 
but one year old. The wilderness, west of them, was 
almost unexplored. But Mr. Carson, at his blazing 
fireside, had heard from the Indians, and occasionally 
from some adventurous white hunter, glowing ac 
counts of the magnificent prairies, rivers, lakes and 



12 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

forests of the far West, reposing in the solitude and 
the silence which had reigned there since the dawn 
of the creation. 

There were no roads through the wilderness. 
The guide of the emigrants was the setting sun. 
Occasionally they could take advantage of some 
Indian trail, trodden hard by the moccasined feet of 
the savages, in single file, through countless genera- 
tions. Through such a country, the father of Kit 
Carson commenced a journey of several hundred 
miles, with his wife and three or four children, Kit 
being an infant in arms. Unfortunately we are not 
informed of any of the particulars of this journey. 
But we know, from numerous other cases, what was 
its general character. 

It must have occupied two or three weeks. All 
the family went on foot, making about fifteen miles 
a day. They probably had two pack horses, laden 
with pots and kettles, and a few other essential 
household and farming utensils. Early in the after- 
noon Mr. Carson would begin to look about for a 
suitable place of encampment for the night. He 
would find, if possible, the picturesque banks of 
some running stream, where there was grass for his 
horses, and a forest growth to furnish him with wood 
for his cabin and for fire. If the weather were pleas- 
ant, with the prospect of a serene and cloudless 



EARLY TRAINING. 1 3 

night, a very slight protection would be reared, and 
the weary family, with a buffalo robe spread on the 
soft grass for a blanket, would sleep far more sweetly 
in the open air, than most millionaires sleep in 
tapestried halls and upon beds of down. 

If clouds were gathering and menacing winds 
were wailing through the tree-tops, the vigorous aim 
of Mr. Carson, with his sharp axe, would, in an hour, 
rear a camp which could bid defiance to any ordinary 
storm. The roof would be so thatched, with bark 
and long grass, as to be quite impenetrable by the 
rain. Buffalo robes, and a few of the soft and fra- 
grant branches of the hemlock tree, would create a 
couch which a prince might envy. Perhaps, as they 
came along, they had shot a turkey or a brace of 
ducks, or a deer, from whose fat haunches they have 
cut the tenderest venison. Any one could step out 
with his rifie and soon return with a supper. 

While Mr. Carson, with his eldest son, was build- 
ing the camp, the eldest girl would hold the baby, 
and Mrs. Carson would cook such a repast cf dainty 
viands, as, when we consider the appetites, Delmon- 
ico never furnished. It was life in the **Adiron- 
dacks,'* with the additional advantage that those 
who were enjoying it, were inured to fatigue, and 
could have no sense of discomfort, from the absence 
of conveniences to which they were accustomed. 



f4 CHRISTOPHER CARSOJS. 

If in the darkness of midnight, the tempest rose 
and roared through the tree-tops, with crushing 
thunder, and floods of rain, the family was lulled to 
sounder sleep by these requiems of nature, or awoke 
♦:o enjoy the sublimity of the scene, whose grandeur 
fhose in lowly life are often able fully to appreciate, 
though they may not have language with which to 
express their emotions. 

The family crossed the Mississippi river, we know 
not how, perhaps in the birch canoe of some friendly 
Indian, perhaps on a raft, swimming the horses. 
They then continued their journey two hundred 
miles farther west, till they reached a spot far enough 
from neighbors and from civilization to suit the taste 
even of Mr. Carson. This was at the close of the 
year 1810. There was no State or even Territory of 
Missouri then. But seven years before, in 1803, 
France had ceded to the United States the vast unex- 
plored regions, whose boundaries even, were scarcely 
defined, but which were then called Upper Louisiana. 

Here Mr. Carson seems to have reached a very 
congenial home. He found, scattered through the 
wilderness, a few white people, trappers, hunters, 
wanderers who had preceded him. The Indians, in 
numerous bands, as hunters and as warriors, were 
roving these wilds. They could not be relied upon, 
whatever their friendly professions. Any wr>ng 



EARLY TRAINING. 1 5 

which they might receive from any individual white 
man, their peculiar code of morals told them they 
might rightly attempt to redress by wreaking theif 
vengeance upon any pale face, however innocent he 
might be. Thus hundreds of Indian warriors might, 
at any time, come swooping down upon Mr. Carson's 
cabin, laying it in ashes, and burying their toma- 
hawks in the brains of his family. 

The few white men, some half a dozen in number, 
who had gathered around Mr. Carson, deemed it 
expedient for self-defence to unite and build a large 
log cabin, wnich should be to them both a house and 
a fort. This building of logs, quite long and but 
one story high, was pierced, at several points, with 
portholes, through which the muzzles of the rifles 
could be thrust. As an additional precaution they 
surrounded this house with palisades, consisting of 
sticks of timber, six or eight inches in diameter, and 
about ten feet high, planted as closely as possible 
together. These palisades were also pierced with 
portholes. 

With a practiced eye, these men had selected a 
very beautiful spot for their habitation, in what is 
now called Howard county, Missouri, just north of 
the Missouri river. It seems that they had much to 
fear from the Indians. There were at this time, 
frequent wars with them, in the more eastern por 



l6 CHKiSTOPHER CARSON. 

tions of the continent, and the rumors of these con 
flicts reached the ears of all the roving tribes, and 
greatly excited them. It became necessary for the 
settlers to go upon their hunting excursions with 
much caution. 

As the months passed rapidly away, other persori.8 
one after another, came to their fort. They were 
glad to find a safe retreat there, and were welcomed 
as giving additional strength to the little garrison 
Game began to be scarce around their lonely habita- 
tion, for the crack of the rifle was almost incessantly 
heard there. It thus became necessar}' to resort 
more generally to farming, especially to raising large 
fields of corn, whose golden ears could easily be 
converted into pork and into bread. With these 
two articles of food, cornbread and bacon, hfe could 
be hilarious on the frontier. Keenness of appetite 
supplied the want of all other delicacies. 

When they went to the cornfield to work, they 
first made a careful exploration of the region around, 
to see if there were any lurking savages near. Then 
with their guns ever ready to be grasped, and keep. 
ing a close lookout for signs of danger, they ploughed 
and sowed and gathered in their harvest. 

Thus fifteen years passed away. Civilization 
made gradual encroachments. Quite a little clustei 
of log huts was reared in the vicinity, where the 



KARLY DRAINING i; 

inmates in case of necessity could flee to the foit foi 
protection. Christopher, at fifteen years of age, was 
an unlettered boy, small in stature, but very fond of 
Uie solitude cf the forest, and quite renowned as a 
niarksman. He was amiable in disposition, gentle 
ill his manners, and in all respects a good boy. He 
had a strong character. Whatever he undertook, he 
quietly and without any boasting performed. With 
sound judgment, and endowed with singular strength 
and elasticity, he was even then deemed equal to 
any man in all the requirements of frontier Hfe. 

At a short distance from the fort there was a 
saddler, and Mr. Carson, with the advice of friends, 
decided to apprentice his son, now called Kit, to 
learn that trade. The boy remained in this employ- 
ment for two weary years. Though faithful to every 
duty, and gaining the respect and confidence of his 
employer, the work was uncongenial to him. He 
longed for the freedom of the wilderness ; for the 
sublime scenes of nature, to which such a life would 
introduce him ; for the exciting chase of the buffalo, 
and the lucrative pursuits of the trapper, floating on 
distant streams in the birch canoe, and loading hia 
bark with rich furs, which ever commanded a ready 
sale. 

All these little settlements were clustered around 
some protecting fort. A man, who was broug'it uf 



I8 CHRISTOPHER CaRSON. 

in the remcie West, furnishes the following intei eat- 
ing incident in his own personal experience. It 
gives a very graphic description of the alarms to 
which these pioneers were exposed : 

" TJie fort to which my father belonged was three- 
quarters of a mile from his farm. But when this 
fort went to decay and was unfit for use, a new one 
was built near our own house. I well remember, 
when a little boy, the family were sometimes waked 
up in the dead of night by an express, with the 
report that the Indians were at hand. The express 
came softly to the door and by a gentle tapping 
raised the family. This was easily done, as an 
habitual fear made us ever watchful, and sensible to 
the slightest alarm. The whole family were instantly 
in motion. 

" My father seized his gun and other implements 
of war. My mother waked up and dressed the 
children as well as she could. Being myself the 
oldest of the children, I had to take my share of the 
boirdens to be carried to the fort. There was no 
possibility of getting a horse in the night to aid us. 
Besides the little children we caught up such articles 
of clothing and provisions as we could get hold of in 
the dark, for we durst not light a candle or even stir 
the fire. All this was done with the utmost dis- 
patch and in the silence of death. The great* 



EARLY TRAINING. ' I9 

est care was taken not to awaken the youngest 
child. 

"' To the rest it was enough to say Indian, and 
not a whisper was heard afterward. Thus it often 
happened that the whole number belonging to a fort, 
who were in the evening at their homes, were all in 
their little fortress before the dawn of the next 
morning. In the course of the next day their 
household furniture was brought in by men under 
arms. Some families belonging to each fort were 
much less under the influence of fear than others. 
These often, after an alarm had subsided, in spite of 
every remonstrance, would remove home, while their 
more prudent neighbors remained in the fort. Such 
families were denominated fool-hardy^ and gave no 
small amount of trouble by creating such frequent 
necessities of sending runners to warn them of their 
danger, and sometimes parties of our men to pro- 
tect them during their removal." 

While Kit Carson was impatiently at work on 
the bench of the harness-maker, feeding his soul 
with the stories, often greatly exaggerated, ©f the 
wonders of scenes and adventures to be encountered 
in the boundless West, a party of traders came 
along, who were on the route for Santa Fe. This 
city, renowned in the annals of the West, was the 
capital of the Spanish province of New Mexico- It 



ZO ClIKISTOrilKK CAKSC'IN. 

was situated more than a thousand miles from Mis- 
souri, and contained a mongrel population of about 
three thousand souls. Goods from the States could 
tjc readily sole' there at a profit of one or two hun- 
dred per cent. Cotton cloth brought three dollars a 
ynrd. 

Captain Pike, upon his return from his exploring 
tour, brought back quite glowing accounts of Santa 
Fe and its surroundings. It was a long and perilous 
journey from Missouri. The party was all strongly 
armed, with their goods borne in packs upon mule? 
and horses. They expected to live almost entirely 
upon the game they could shoot by the way. Kit, 
purely from the love of adventure, applied to join 
them. Gladly was he received. Though but a boy 
of eighteen, his stable character, his vigorous 
strength, and his training in all the mysteries of 
frontier life, rendered him an invaluable acquisi- 
tion. 

The perils to which they were exposed may be 
inferred from the fate which some traders encoun- 
tered soon after Kit Carson's party had accomplished 
the journey. There were twelve traders returning 
from Santa Fe. To avoid the Indians they took an 
extreme southern route. Day after day they toiled 
along, encountering no savages. It was December, 
and in that climate mild and serene A caravan of 



EARLY TRAININU. 2. 

twenty horses or mules travelling in single file, 
leaves a trail behind which can easily be followed. 

Our adventurers were on a treeless prairie, an 
ocean of land, where nothing obstructed the view 
to the remote horizon. One beautiful morning, just 
after they had taken their breakfast and resumed 
their march, they perceived, not a little to their 
alarm, some moving object far in the distance behind. 
It soon resolved itself into a band of several hundred 
Indians, well mounted, painted and decorated in the 
highest style of barbaric art. They were thoroughly 
armed with their deadly bows and arrows and spears. 
It was indeed an imposing spectacle as these savage 
waniors on their fleet steeds, with their long hair 
and pennons streaming in the wind, came down 
upon them. 

1 he little caravan halted and prepared for 
defence. There were twelve bold hearts to encoun- 
ter several hundred foes on the open prairie. They 
knew that the main object of the Indians would be 
to seize the horses and mules and effect a stampede 
with their treasure. This being accomplished they 
would torture and murder the traders in mere wan- 
tonness. The savages had a very salutary caution 
of rifles which could throw a bullet twice as far as 
the strongest bow and the most sinewy arm could 
«peed an arrow. 



22 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

With the swoop of the whirhvind they ap^ 
preached until they came within gun-shot distance, 
when they as suddenly stopped. Each trader had 
fastened his horse or mule with a rope and an iron 
pin two feet long driven firmly into the ground. 
They knew that if they were captured a cruel death 
awaited them. They therefore prepared to sell their 
lives as dearly as possible. There was no trunk or 
tree, or stone behind which either party could hide 
The open prairie covered with grass was smooth as 
a floor. 

For a short time both bands stood looking at 
each other. The traders in a small group had every 
man his rifle. Had the Indians in their resistless 
strength come rushing simultaneously up>n them 
they could easily have been trampled into the dust. 
But it was equally certain that twelve bullets, with 
unerring aim, would have pierced the hearts of twelve 
of their warriors. The Indians were very chary of 
their own lives. They were never ready for a fight 
in the open field, however great might be the odds in 
their favor. 

The savages having halted and conferred together, 
endeavored to assume a friendly attitude. With a 
great show of brotherly feeling they cautiously 
approached one by one. The traders not wishing to 
commence the conflict, began to move on, leading 



EARLY TRAINING. 23 

their animals and with their rifles cocked, watching 
every movement of the intruders. The mounted 
Indians followed along, quite surrounding with their 
iarge numbers the little band of white men. 

Two of the mules lagged a little behind. One 
m two of the bolder of the savages made a dash at 
them and shot dead a man by the name of Pratt, 
who had them in charge. It was the signal of bat- 
tle. A shower of arrows fell upon the traders, 
another man dropped dead, and an arrow buried its 
head in the thigh of another. Several of the In- 
dians also fell. But the savages manifested a great 
dtead of the rifle; and though they were forty t' 
one against the white men, they retreated to a safe 
distance. As they felt sure of their victims, they did 
not wish to peril their own Hves. 

The traders hastily took the packs from the mules 
and piled them around for a barricade. The Indians 
were very wary. But by entirely surrounding the 
little fort and creeping through the long grass they 
succeeded in a few hours in shooting every one of 
the mules and horses of the traders. The savages 
kept up an incessant howling, and thirty-six dreadful 
hours thus passed away. It seemed but a prolonga- 
tion of death's agonies. Hunger and thirst would 
ere long destroy them, even though they should 
escape the arrow and the tomahawk. It was not 



24 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

deemed wise to expend a single charge of powdei of 
a bullet, unless sure of their aim. And the Indiana 
crept so near, prostrated in the long grass, that net a 
head could be raised above the frail ramparts with^ 
out encountering the whiz of arrows. 

The day passed away. Night came and went. 
Another day dawned, and the hours lingered slowly 
along, while the traders lay flat upon the ground, 
cramped in their narrow limits, awaiting apparently 
the sure approach of death. 

The night was dark, dense clouds obscuring the 
sky. The Indians themselves had become some- 
what weary, and deeming it imipossible for their 
victims to escape and feeling sure of the booty, 
which could by no possibility be removed, relaxed 
their watchfulness. As any death was preferable to 
captivity and torture by the Indians, the traders 
resolved, in the gloom of midnight to attempt an 
escape, though the chances were a hundred to one 
that they would be almost buried beneath the arrows 
of the howling savages. 

Cautiously they emerged from their hiding-place, 
creeping slowly and almost breathlessly through the 
tall grass of the prairie, till quite to their surprisCj 
they found themselves beyond the circle of th« 
besiegers. There were ten men, one wounded, flee- 
ing for life, expecting every moment to be pursued 



KARLY TRAINING. 2^ 

by five hundred savages. It was a long, dark, dismal 
winter's night, for in that changing chme a freezing 
night succeeded a sunny day. Like spectres they 
fled over the open prairie. That their flight might 
net be encumbered they had taken nothing with 
them but their guns and ammunition. 

They were determined men. In whatever num- 
bers and with whatever speed the mounted Indians 
might ride down upon them, ten of their warriors 
would inevitably bite the dust ere the fugitives could 
be taken. The Indians fully understood this. And 
when the morning dawned and they saw that their 
victims had escaped, instead of pursuing, they satis- 
fied their valor in holding a triumphant powwow over 
the rich booty they had gained. 

It was a chill day and the wind moaned dismally 
over the bleak prairie. But as far as the eye could 
extend no foe could be seen. Not even a tree 
obscured the vision. The exhaustion of the fugitives, 
from their thirty-six hours of sleeplessness and battle, 
and their rapid flight, was extreme. They shot a 
few prairie chickens, built a small fire of dried buffalo 
chips with which they cooked their frugal breakfast, 
and then, lying down upon the rank grass, slept 
soundly for a few hours. 

They then pressed on their pathless way toward 
the rising sun. Through weary days and nights they 



26 CHRlSTOrilEK L\RbUN. 

toiled on, through rain and cold, sleeping often \n 
stormy nights drenched, upon the bare soil, without 
even a blanket to cover their shivering frames. Their 
feet became blistered. Passing beyond the bounrls 
of the open prairie, they sometimes found themselves 
in bogs, sometimes in tangled forests. There were 
streams to be waded or to be crossed upon such 
rude rafts as they could frame with their hatchets. 
Their clothes hung in tatters around them, and, 
most deplorable of all, their ammunition became 
expended. 

For days they lived upon roots and the tender 
bark of trees. Some became delirious, indeed some 
seemed quite insane through their sufferings. The 
man who was wounded, Mr. Schenck, was a gentleman 
of intelligence and of refinement and of distinguished 
family connections, from Ohio. A poetic tempera- 
ment had induced him to seek the romance of an 
adventure through the unexplored wilderness. 

After incredible sufferings his wound became so 
inflamed that it was impossible for him to go any 
Carther. Prostrate upon a mound in the forest hi.s 
comrades left him. They could do absolutely 
nothing for him. They could not supply him with a 
morsel of food or with a cup of water. They had 
no heart even to bid him adieu. Silently they 
tottered along, and Mr. Schenck was left to die. 



EARLY TRAINING. 2; 

Through what hours of suffering he lingered none 
but God can tell. Not even his bones were evei 
found to shed any light upon his sad fate. 

So deep became the dejection of these wanderers 
that often for hours not one word was spoken. They 
were lost in the wilderness and could only direct 
their steps toward the rising sun. After leaving Mr. 
Schenck there were but nine men remaining. They 
soon disagreed in reference to the route to follow. 
This led to a separation, and five went in one direc- 
tion and four in another. The five, after wandering 
about in the endurance of sufferings which can 
scarcely be conceived of, fell in with a party of 
friendly Creek Indians, by whom they were rescued 
and treated with the greatest humanity. Of the 
other four two only succeeded in escaping from the 
mazes of the wilderness. 

Such were the perils upon which the youthful 
Kit Carson was now entering from the pure love of 
adventure. He was not uninformed respecting these 
dangers. The knowledge of them did but add to 
the zest of the enterprise. 

Crossing the plains of the interior of our Contu 
nent from the Missouri river to the Rocky mountains, 
was a very different undertaking half a century ago, 
from what it has been in more modern times. The 
route was then almost entirely unexplored. There 



2S CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

were no charts to guide. The bold adventurers 
knew not where they would find springs of water 
where forage for their animals, where they w^ould 
enter upon verdureless deserts, where they could 
find fording-places of the broad and rapid rivers 
which they might encounter on their wa}'. 

This is not a forest-covered continent. The vast 
plains of the interior, whether smooth or undulating 
or rugged, spread far away for weary leagues, almost 
treeless. The forest was found mainly skirting the 
streams. Immense herds of buffaloes, often number- 
ing ten or twenty thousand, grazed upon these rich 
and boundless pastures. Timid deer and droves of 
wild horses, almost countless in numbers, here 
luxuriated in a congenial home. There was scarcely 
a white man in the land whose eyes had ever beheld 
the cliffs of the Rocky mountains. And each Indian 
tribe had its hunting-grounds marked out with con- 
siderable precision, beyond which even the boldest 
braves seldom ventured to wander. 

About a score of men started upon this trip. 
They were thoroughly armed, practiced marksmen, 
well mounted and each man led a pack mule, heavily 
laden with goods for the Santa Fe market. Their 
leader was commander-in-chief, whom all were bound 
implicitly to obey. He led the company, selecting 
"the route, and he decided when and where to encamp 



EARLY TRAINING. 29 

The procession followed usually in single file, a long 
line. 

Early in the morning, at the sound of the bugle 
all sprang from their couches which nature had 
spread, and they spent no more time at their toilet 
than did the horse or the cow. After a hurried 
breakfast they commenced their march. Generally 
an abundance of game was found on the way. The 
animals always walked slowly along, being never put 
to the trot. 

At noon the leadei endeavored to find some 
spot near a running stream or a spring, where 
the animals could find pasture. The resting for a 
couple of hours gave them time for their dinner, 
which they had mainly picked up by the way. 

An hour or two before sundown the camping 
ground was selected, the animals were tethered, often 
in luxuriant grass, and the hardy pioneers, by no 
means immoderately fatigued by the day's journey, 
having eaten their supper, which a good appetite 
rendered sumptuous, spent the time till sleep closed 
their eyelids in telling stories and singing songs. A 
very careful guard was set, and the adventuiers 
enjoyed sound sleep till, with the dawn, the bugle 
call again summoned them. Under ordinary circum- 
stances hardy men of a roving turn of mind, found 
very great attractions in this adventurous life. They 



30 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

were by no means willing to exchange its excite- 
ments for the monotonous labors of the field or the 
skoo, 



CHAPTER II. 

Life in the Wilderness, 

A Sui^cal Operation. — A Winter with Kin Cade. — Study of the L«n 

guages and Geography. — Return towards Missouri. — Engagement 
with a new Company and Strange Adventures. — The Rattle- 
snake. — Anecdote of Kit Carson. — The Sahara. — New Engage- 
ments. — Trip to El Paso. — Trapping and Hunting. — Prairie 
Scenery. — The Trapper's Outfit. — Night Encampment. — Testl 
mony of an Amateur Hunter. 

The company of traders which Kit had joined en- 
joyed, on the whole, a prosperous expedition. They 
met with no hostile Indians and, with one exception, 
encountered nothing which they could deem a hard- 
ship. There was one exception, which most persons 
would deem a terrible one. The accidental dis- 
charge of a gun, incautiously handled, shattered a 
man's arm, shivering the bone to splinters. The arm 
rapidly grew inflamed, became terribly painful, and 
must be amputated or the life lost. There was no 
one in the party who knew anything of surgery. 
But they had a razor, a handsaw and a bar of iron. 

It shows the estimation in which the firm, gentle, 
and vet almost womanly Kit Carson was held, that 



32 ClIKISrOl'HER CARSON. 

lie was chosen to perform the operation. Two 
others were to assist him. The sufferer took his 
•eat, and was held firmly, that in his anguish his 
struggles might not interfere with the progress of 
the knife. This boy of but eighteen years then, 
with great apparent coolness, undertook this formi- 
dable act of surgery. 

He bound a ligature around the arm very tightly 
to arrest, as far as possible the flow of blood. With 
the razor he cut through the quivering muscles, ten- 
dons and nerves. With the handsaw he severed the 
•bone. With the bar of iron, at almost a white heat, 
he cauterized the wound. The cruel operation was 
successful. And the patient, under the influence of 
the pure mountain air, found his wound almost 
healed before he reached Santa Fe. 

Having arrived at his journey's end. Kit's love 
■of adventure led him not to return with the traders, 
by the route over which he had just passed, but to 
push on still further in his explorations. About 
nighty miles northeast of Santa Fe there was another 
Spanish settlement, weird-like in its semi-barbarous, 
semi-civilized aspects, with its huts of sun-baked 
clay, its Catholic priests, its Mexican Indians and its 
half-breeds. It was a small, lonely settlement, whose 
population lived mainly, like the Indians, upon corn- 
meal and the chase. Kit ever kept his trusty rifle 



LIFE IN THE WILDERNESS. 33 

i^ith him. His gun and hatchet constituted his 
purse, furnishing him with food and lodging. 

It was a mountainous region ; here in one of the 
dells, Kit came across the solitary hut of a moun- 
taineer by the name of Kin Cade. They took a 
mutual liking to each other. As Kit could at any 
day, with his rifle bring in food enough to last a 
week, the question of board did not come into con- 
sideration. It was in the latter part of November 
that Kit first entered the cabin of this hunter. 
Here he spent the winter. His bed consisted proba- 
bly of husks of corn covered with a buffalo robe, a 
luxurious couch for a healthy and weary man. Pitch 
pine knots brilliantly illumined the hut in the even- 
ing. Traps were set to catch animals for their furs. 
Deer skins were softly tanned and colored for cloth- 
ing, with ornamental fringes for coats and leggins 
and moccasins. Kit and his companion Kin were 
their own tailors. 

Thus passed the winter of 1826. Both of the 
men were very good-natured, and of congenial 
tastes. They wanted for nothing. When the wind 
howled amid the crags of the mountains and the 
storm beat upon their lonely habitation, with fuel in 
abundance and a well filled larder, and with no in- 
toxicating drinks or desire for them, they worked 
upon their garments and other conveniences in the 
9 



34 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

warmth of their cheerful fireside. It is not hazard- 
ing too much to say that these two gentle men, in 
their solitary cabin, passed a far more happy winter 
than many families who were occupying, in splendid 
misery, the palatial residences of London, Paris and 
New York. 

Kin Cade was perhaps a Spaniard. He certainly 
spoke the Spanish language with correctness and 
fluency. The intelligence of Kit is manifest from 
the fact that he devoted himself assiduously during 
the winter to the acquisition of the Spanish language. 
And his strong natural abilities are evidenced in his 
having attained, in that short time, quite the 
mastery of the Spanish tongue. It is often said 
that Kit Carson was entirely an uneducated man. 
This is, in one respect, a mistake. The cabin of Kin 
Cade was his academy, where he pursued his studies 
vigoi<iously and successfully for a whole winter, 
graduating in the spring with the highest honors 
that academy could confer. 

We ought not to forget that, in addition to the 
study of the languages, he also devoted much atten- 
tion to the study of geography. They had no books, 
no maps. It is doubtful indeed, whether either Kit 
or his teacher could read or write. But Kin had 
been a renowned explorer. He had traversed the 
prairies, climbed the mountains, followed the courses 



LIFE IN THE WILDERNESS 55 

of the rivers, and paddled over the lakes . With his 
stick he could draw upon the smoothly trodden floor 
of his hut, everything that was needful of a chart- 
There were probably many idle students in Harvard 
and Yale, who during those winter months did not 
make as much intellectual progress as Kit Carson 
made. 

In the spring of 1827, Kit again went forth from 
his winter's retreat into the wilderness world, which 
has its active life and engrossing excitements, often 
even far greater than are to be found on the city's 
crowded pavements. Not finding in these remote 
regions any congenial employment, Kit decided to 
retrace his steps to Missouri. Most persons would 
have thought that the journey of some thousand 
miles on foot, through a trackless wilderness where 
he was exposed every step of the way, to howling 
wolves and merciless savages, a pretty serious under- 
taking. Kit appears to have regarded it but as an 
every-day occurrence. 

He joined a party of returning traders. Much 
of the region they traversed may be aptly described 
in the language which Irving applies to Spain. ** It 
is a stern melancholy country, with rugged moun- 
tains and long sweeping plains, indescribably lone- 
some, solitary, savage.'' After travelling nearly five 
hundred miles, about half the distance back to Mi» 



36 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

souri, they reached a ford of the Arkansas live? 
Here they met another party of traders bound to 
Santa Fe. Kit, who with great reluctance had 
decided to return home, eagerly joined them. His 
services were deemed very valuable, and they offered 
him a rich reward. His knowledge of the Spanish 
language became now a valuable investment to him, 
and as he had already twice traversed the route, he 
was at once invested with the dignity of guide as 
well a > interpreter. 

The following incident, related by a traveller who 
was pajsing over this same plain under the guidance 
of Kit Carson, shows that there are other dangers to 
be encountered besides the prowling savage and the 
wolf: 

** It was a bright moonlight night. I had, as was 
my custom, spread my saddle leathers for a bed, and 
had drawn my blanket closely around me. Weary 
with the day's march, I had been sleeping soundly 
for several hours, when about midnight I awoke sud- 
denly with an unaccountable feeling of dread. It 
must have been a sort of instinct which prompted me, 
Cor in a moment I was upon my feet, and then, upon 
removing my blanket, I found a rattlesnake, swollen 
with rage and poison, coiled and ready to strike. 

" I drew away the blanket which served as a 
mattress, intendinjjj to kill the reptile, when to my 



LIKE IN- THE WILDERNESS. 37 

astonishment it glided away making its escape into 
a small opening in the ground directly beneath my 
bed. The whole matter was explained at once. 
The snake had probably been out to see a neighbor; 
and getting home after I was asleep, felt a gentle- 
manly unwillingness to disturb me. And, as I had 
taken possession of his dwelling he took part of my 
sleeping place, crawling under the blanket where he 
must have lain quietly by my side until I rolled over 
and disturbed him. I can scarcely say that I slept 
much more that night, and even Carson admitted 
that it made him a little nervous." 

Kit Carson was not a garrulous man. He was 
much more given to reflection than to talk, and he 
was never known to speak boastfully of any of his 
achievements. It is the invariable testimony or all 
who knew him, that he was mild, gentle and unas- 
suming, one of Nature's noblemen. While travelling 
he scarcely ever spoke. Nothing escaped his keen 
eye. His whole appearance was that of a man 
deeply impressed with a sense of the responsibility 
of his office. He knew full well the treacherous 
character of the Indians, and that " th e^ bett er, part 
af valor is discretion." 

He had often seen men killed at night by an 
invisible foe. From the impenetrable darkness which 
«irrounded the camp fire, an arrow would com« 



3S CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

winged with death, piercing the heart of some 
mountaineer whose body was clearly revealed by the 
firelight. Kit Carson would never thus expose him* 
self. He would always spread his blanket where the 
firelight would not reveal him. 

" No, no boys," he would say to his often reckless 
comrades, " you may hang around the fire if you will. 
It may do for you, if you like it. But I do not wish 
to have a Digger Indian slip an arrow into me when 
I cannot see him.'' 

A gentleman, who was guided over the plains by 
Kit, writes, ^' During this journey I have often 
watched Carson's preparation for the night. A 
braver man than Kit perhaps never lived. In fact, I 
doubt if he ever knew what fear was. But with all 
this he exercised great caution. While arranging 
his bed, his saddle, which he always used as a pillow, 
was disposed in such a manner as to form a barricade 
for his head. His pistols half cocked were placed 
above it, and his trusty rifle reposed beneath the 
blanket by his side, where it was not only ready for 
instant use but perfectly protected from the damp. 
Except now and then to light his pipe, you never 
caught Kit, at night, exposing himself to the full 
glare of the camp fire." 

When on the march everything was conducted 
with military precision. At the early dawn as Kit 



LIFE IN THE WILDERNESS. 39 

gave the signal to prepare to start, all were instantly 
in motion. The mules were brought up ; their packs 
were fastened firmly upon their backs, an operation 
which required much labor and skill. The mules 
have a strange instinct which leads them to follow 
with a sort of fascination a white horse. Thus 
generally a white horse or mare leads the cavalcade. 

At times it was necessary to march long distances 
without meeting water. One of these dreary 
stretches was eighty miles long. It was necessary 
to pass over it as rapidly as possible, day and night 
almost without resting. In accomphshing one of 
these arduous journeys across a desert almost as bare 
as that of Sahara, the party set out one afternoon at 
three o'clock. One of the travellers writes : 

" I shall never forget the impression which that 
night's journey left upon my mind. Sometimes the 
trail led us over large basins of deep sand, where 
the trampling of the mules* feet gave forth no sound. 
This, added to the almost terrible silence which ever 
reigns in the solitude of the desert, rendered our 
transit more like the passage of some airy spectacle 
where the actors were shadows instead of men. 
Nor is this comparison a strained one, for our way- 
worn voyagers, with their tangled locks and unshorn 
beards, rendered white as snow by the fine sand witii 
which the air in these regions is often filled, had a 



40 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

weird and ghost-like look, which the gloomy scen« 
around, with its frowning rocks and moonlit sands, 
tended to enhance and heighten.'' 

It is said, as illustrative of Kit's promptness of 
iction, that one night an inexperienced guard 
shouted " Indians.'' In an instant Kit was on his 
feet, pistol in hand. A dark object was approaching 
him. The loss of a second of time might enable a 
savage to bury his arrow-head deep in his side and to 
disappear in the darkness. Like a flash of lightning 
Kit fired and shot his mule. It was a false alarm. 

The traders arrived safely in Santa Fe. Kit 
Carson, having faithfully performed his contract, 
began to look around for new adventures. Three 
hundred and fifty miles south of Santa Fe, there 
was the Mexican province of Chihuahua. It was a 
ver>^ rich mining district, and many adventurers had 
flocked to it from Spain. There was here a narrow 
valley of the Rio Grande about ten miles in extent, 
and quite well filled with the rude settlements of the 
miners. It is said that at one time there were nearly 
seventy thousand Spaniards and Indians scattered 
along tke river banks in search of the precious 
metals. 

A trading party was bound from Santa Fe to this 
region. Colonel Trammel was the leader of this 
part}', and he eagerly secured the services of Kit 



LIFE IN THE WILDERNESS. 4B 

Carson, who, in addition to his experience as a trav 
eller, could also perform the functions of an inter- 
preter. We have no record of the incidents A^hich 
occurred on this journey. As the route was well 
known, and there were no hostile Indians to be 
encountered, it was probably uneventful. 

In this valley of El Paso, as it was called, Carson 
found about five thousand people, mostly on the 
right bank of the river. The rudeness of the style 
in which they lived painfully impressed him. There 
was far more comfort in the cabins he had left in 
Missouri. 

The houses were of clay baked in the sun, with 
earthen floors. Window glass was a luxury unknown. 
It seems almost incredible that they should have had 
neither chairs, tables, knives nor forks. These 
Mexicans were scarcely one remove from the un- 
tamed savages of the wilderness. Young Carson 
found nothing to interest him or to invite his stay. 
He returned to Santa Fe. The summer had now 
passed and another winter come. 

About a hundred and fifty miles north of Santa 
Fe there was a small collection of huts called Taos, 
inhabited by trappers and hunters. This pursuit of 
game for food and fur was the employment which 
was congenial to him above all others. He directed* 
his steps to Taos and at once entered into an engage. 



42 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

ment with Mr. Ewing Young, making his cabin 
headquarters. 

Hunting and trapping were somewhat different 
employments, though perhaps equally exciting. The 
hunter depended upon his rifle, and was mainly in 
search of food. Still the robe of the buffalo and the 
coat of the grizzly bear were very useful in various 
ways, in the cabin of the hunter, and the softly 
tanned skin of the deer was invaluable, furnishing 
every article of clothing, shirt, leggins and moccasins. 
The skins of these animals had also a market value. 

But the trapper was in pursuit of furs only. 
Though the men engaged in this pursuit were occa- 
sionally exposed to great hardship and suffering, 
still, in general they probably had, in the gratification 
of congenial tastes, a full share of such happiness as 
this world can furnish. 

Young Carson, at the age of nineteen, had no 
taste for the scholarly seclusion of Yale or Harvard, 
no desire to stand all day behind the counter of the 
dry-goods store, or to work amid the crowd and the 
hum of the factory; he had no wish for what is 
called society, or to saunter down Broadway with T 
his cigar and his cane, to exhibit his tightly-fitting I 
garments ; but he did love to set out on a hunting | 
and trapping expedition. Let us follow him in one 
of these adventures. 



LIFE IN THE WILDERNESS. 43 

It is a bright morning of the Indian summer, fai 
along in November. There is a small log cabin on a 
mound of the wilderness. A dense forest breaks the 
northern winds. A rippling stream runs by the door. 
Beyond lies the prairie rich in verdure and enamelled 
with gorgeous autumnal flowers. Herds of buffalo 
are grazing in groups of hundreds, sometimes of 
thousands, on the broad expanse. Gangs of deer 
are seen, graceful, beautiful, following in the train 
of the antlered bucks, and with scent so keen and 
eyes so piercing that it requires the utmost skill of 
the hunter to approach them within rifle shot. 
Clouds of prairie chickens and quails are floating 
here and there in their short flight. It is the para- 
dise of the hunter. Let no one think this description 
overdrawn. It would be difficult to exaggerate the 
loveliness of the flower-spangled prairie on a bright 
autumnal day. Eden could scarcely have presented 
scenes more attractive. 

Young Carson stands at the door of the cabin 
with a stout mule before him. The animal is strong 
and plump, having been feasting upon the wild oata 
growing luxuriantly around. Carson is packing his 
mule. His outfit consists of a Mexican blanket, 
rough, thick and warm ; a supply of ammunition ; a 
kettle ; possibly a coffee-pot and some coffee, which 
have been obtained at Santa Fe ; several iron traps 



44 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

some dressed deerskin for replacing clothing and 
moccasins, a hatchet and a few other similar articles. 
In addition to his mule he may also take a pony to 
bear him on the way. Thus, if by accident, one 
give out, he has another animal to rely upon. And 
if very successful he may have furs enough to load 
them both on his return. 

His costume consists of a hunting shirt of the 
soft and pliable deerskin, ornamented with long 
fringes and often dyed with bright vermilion. Panta- 
loons of the same material are also ornamented 
with fringes and porcupine's quills of various colors. 
Many a tranquil hour has been beguiled, in the long 
evenings and when the storm has beaten upon the 
hut, in fashioning these garments with artistic taste, 
learned of the Indians. A flexible cap, often of rich 
fur, covers his head, and moccasins, upon which all 
the resources of barbaric embroidery have been ex 
pended, cover his feet. 

His rifle is borne on his left shoulder. His pow- 
der horn and bullet pouch hang under his right arm. 
In his bullet pouch he also carries spare flints, steel 
and various odds and eids. Beneath the broad belt 
which encircles his waist there is a large butchef 
knife in a sheath of buffalo hide. There is a whet- 
stone in a buckskin case made fast to the belt, and 
also a small hatchet or tomahawk. 



LIFE IN THE WILDERNESS. 4$ 

Thus accoutred, our young hunter ard trappei 
sets out in search of the most lonely ravine which he 
can find among the mountains. He would reach if 
possible, some solitar}- stream which no white man's 
eye had ever beheld. He has no road, no trail to 
guide him. He rides his pony and leads his mule. 
Over the prairie, through the forest, across the 
streams, in silence and in a solitude which to him is 
not lonely, he passes on his way. 

Night comes. If pleasant, he unburdens his 
horse and mule ; drives his iron pickets into the 
ground, to which his animals are attached by ropeg 
about thirty feet long, generally in pastures of rich 
grass or wild oats ; builds a fire, cooks his supper, 
rolls himself in his blanket and sleeps soundly till 
morning. If the weather is unpleasant it makes but 
little difference. He knows exactly what to do. In 
a short time he constructs a frail but ample shelter 
and then, with his feet towards the fire, sleeps sweetly 
regardless of the storm. His animals have no more 
need of shelter than have the bears and the buffa- 
loes. 

This is the ordinary life of the hunter. There 
are, of course, exceptions when calamity and woe 
come. A joint may be sprained, a limb broken, 
Fire may burn, or Indians may come, bringing cap 
tivity and torture. But the ordinary life of the hunt 



46 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

er, gratifying his natural taste, has many fascina- 
tions. This is evidenced by the eagerness with 
which our annual tourists leave their ceiled chambers, 
in the luxurious cities, to encamp in the wilderness 
of the Adirondacks or the Rocky mountains. There 
is not a restaurant in the Palais Royal, or on the 
Boulevards which can furnish such a repast as these 
men often find, from trout which they have taken 
from the brook, and game which their own rifles 
shot, have cooked at the fires which their own hands 
have kindled. A gentleman who spent a winter in 
this way, in the green and sheltered valleys of the 
Rocky mountains, writes : 

" There was something inexpressibly exhilarating 
in the sensation of positive freedom from all worldly 
care, and a consequent expansion of the sinews, as 
it were, of mind and body, which made me feel as 
elastic as a ball of India rubber, and in such a state 
of perfect ease that no more dread of scalping 
Indians entered my mind, than if I had been sitting 
in Broadway, in one of the windows of the Astor 
House. The very happiest moments of my life have 
been spent in the wilderness of the Far West, with 
no friend near me more faithful than my rifle, and no 
companion more sociable than my horse and mules. 

"With a plentiful supply of pine logs on the 
fire, and its cheerful blaze streaming far up into the 



LIFE IN THE WILDERNESS. 47 

sky, illuminating the valley far and near, and ex- 
hibiting the animals, with well filled bellies, standing 
contentedly over their picket-pins, I would sit enjoy, 
ing the genial warmth, building castles in the air. 
Scarcely ever did I wish to exchange such hours of 
freedom for all the luxuries of civilized life. Such 
are the fascinations of the life of the mountain 
hunter that I beHeve that not one instance could 
be adduced of even the most polished and civil- 
ized of men, who had once tasted the sweets of 
its attendant liberty and freedom from every worldly 
care, not sighing once more to partake of its pleas- 
ures and allurements. 

*^A hunter's camp in the Rocky mountains is 
quite a picture. It is invariably made in a pictur- 
esque locality. Nothing can be more social and 
cheering than the welcome blaze of the camp fire on 
a cold winter's night." 

Young Carson, alone with his horse and mule^ 
would journey from fifty to a hundred miles, examin- 
ing every creek and stream, keeping a sharp lookout 
for signs of beaver. Having selected his location, 
generally in some valley eight or ten miles in extent, 
with a winding stream circling through the centre^ 
which he had reason to believe was well stocked with 
beaver, he would choose a position for his camp. 
This would be more or less elaborate in its construe- 



48 CllRlS'luriltR CARSON. 

tion, according to the time he intended to spend 
there. But he would always find some sunny nook, 
with a southern exposure and a pleasing prospect, 
near the brook or some spring of sweet water, and, 
if possible, with forest or rock sheltering from the 
north winds. 

In a few hours young Carson would construct his 
half-faced cabin, as the hunting-camp was called. A 
large log generally furnished the foundation of the 
back part of the hut. Four stout stakes were then 
planted in the ground so as to inclose a space about 
eight feet square. These stakes were crotched at 
the ends, so as to support others for the roof. The 
front was about five feet high, the back not more 
than four. The whole slope of the roof was from 
the front to the back. The covering was made of 
bark or slabs and sometimes of skins. The sides 
were covered in a similar way. The whole of the 
front was open. The smooth ground floor was 
strewed with fragrant hemlock branches, over which 
were spread blankets or buffalo robes. In front of 
the opening the camp fire could be built, or on the 
one side or the other, in accordance with the wind. 

Thus in a few hours young Carson would erect 
him a home, so cosey and cheerful in its aspect as to 
be attractive to every eye. Reclining upon mat- 
tresses really luxurious in their softness, he could 



LIFE IN THF »VILDERI;ESS. 49 

bask in the beams of the sun, cirding low in its 
vsrinter revolutions, or gaze at night upon tne brilliant 
stars, and not unfrequently have spread out before 
him an extended prospect of as rich natural scenery 
as ever cheered the eye. He had no anxiety about 
food. His hook or his rifle supplied him abundantly 
with what he deemed the richest viands He knew 
where were the tender cuts. He knew how to cook 
them deliciously. And he had an appetite to relish 
them. 

Having thus provided himself with a habitation, 
he took his traps and, either on foot or on horseback, 
as the character of the region or the distance to be 
traversed might render best, followed along the 
windings of the stream till he came to a beaver dam. 
He would examine the water carefully to find some 
shallow which the beavers must pass in crossing 
from shoal to deep water. Here he would plant his 
trap, always under v/ater, and carefully adjust the 
bait. He would then follow on to another dam, and 
thus proceed till ^^x traps were set, which was the 
usual number taken on such an expedition. 

Early every morning he would mount his horse 
or mule and take the round of his traps, which gene- 
rally required a journey of several miles. The 
captured animals were skinned on the spot, and the 
skins only with the tails which the hunters deemed 
3 



JO CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

a great luxury as an article of food, were taken tc 
the camp. Then the skin was stretched over a frame- 
work to dry. When dry it was folded into a square 
sheet, the fur turned inward and a bundle made 
containing from ten to twenty skins tightly pressed 
and corded, which was ready for transportation. 
These skins were then worth about eight dollars pel 
pound. 

After an absence of three or four weeks, young 
Carson would return with his treasures, often several 
hundred dollars in value, to the rendezvous of Mr. 
Ewing Young at Taos. Soon again he would set 
out on another similar expedition. Thus Carson 
passed the winter of 1 827 



CHAPTER III. 

Among the Trappers, 

Tbe Discomfited Trappers. — The New Party Organized. — A Battla 

with the Indians. — Trapping on the Colorado. — March to tha 
Sacramento. — The Friendly Indians. — Crossing the Desert.— 
Instinct of the Mule. — The Enchanting Valley of the Colorado.— 
The Mission of San Gabriel.— Vast Herds of Cattle.— The Mi». 
sion of San Fernando. — Adventures in the Valley of San Joa- 
quin. — The Meeting of two Trapping Bands. — Reasons for Kit 
Carson's Celebrity. — A Military Expedition. — The Indian Hors9 
Thieves. — The Pursuit and Capture. 

Soon after Carson returned to the cabin of Mr 
Young from one of his trapping expeditions, a party 
of trappers came back who had set out to explore 
the valley of the Colorado, in pursuit of furs. At 
Taos they were west of the Rocky mountains, and 
the route which they were to take led them still 
farther in a northwest direction, a distance of three 
or four hundred miles. It was known that the 
region was full of roving Indians, and it was not 
doubted that the savages, if they saw any chance of 
overpowering the trappers, would do so, and seize 
their effects, which to the Indians would prove booty 
of almost inconceivable value. The rifle gave the 



52 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

trappers such an advantage over the Indian, with his 
bow and arrows, that they never hesitated when upon 
the open plain in encountering ahuost any superiority 
of numbers 

This party of eighteen trappers, with their horses 
and heavily laden mules, had advanced but a few 
days* journey, over an almost unexplored region, 
when they fell in with a powerful tribe of Indians, 
who, after a little palaver, seeing their weakness in 
numbers and the richness of their treasure, attacked 
them with great fury. The Indians had adroitly 
selected a spot where they could fight Indian fashion, 
from behind trees and logs. The battle lasted a 
whole day. We are not informed how many of 
either party fell in the fray. But the Indians seemed 
to swarm around the trappers in countless numbers, 
and the white men were, greatly to their chagrin, 
driven back with the loss of several mules. 

As the discomfited party returned with their tale 
of disaster, the ire of Mr. Young was raised. It is 
a comment upon the number of men then roving the 
u/ilderness that Mr. Young was in a short time 
enabled to organize another party of forty men, to 
resume the enterprise. It was a motley collection 
of Spaniards, Americans, Mexicans and half-breeds. 
Proudly this powerful band, well armed, well mounted 
and wit h heavily laden pack mules, commenced its 



/AMONG TIIK IKAPrKKS. 55 

adventurous march, burning with the deslic to 
avenge the insult which the previous expedition had 
encountered. 

Mr. Young had learned highly to prize the capa- 
bilities of young Carson, and engaged him to take a 
prominent position in this company on its hazardous 
tour. After a march of about a hundred miles, they 
reached the region occupied by the Indians who had 
attacked and defeated the former band. The sava- 
ges, flushed by success, were all ready to renew the 
conflict. Mr. Young himself was the leader of the 
party. The Indians, by their gestures and shouts of 
defiance, gave unmistakable evidence of their eager- 
ness for the fight. 

There was some little delay as both parties pre- 
pared for the deadly strife. Mr. Young, a veteran 
in the tactics of the forest, posted his men with 
great sagacity. He had forty, as we have mentioned, 
in all. Twenty-five of them he hid in ambush. 
With the other fifteen he cautiously advanced, and 
at length, as if alarmed, halted. The eminences all 
in front of them, seemed filled with the plumed 
warriors. The previous conflict had taught them the 
powers of the deadly rifle bullet. They kept at a 
respectful distance, never advancing unless protected 
bv some tree or rock. 

But there were hundreds of savages almost sur 



54 CHRISTOPHER CARSON 

rounding the little band, and making the hills and 
plains resound with the hideous war-whoop. When 
the trappers halted and began slowly to draw back, 
a deafening shout arose from the triumphant foe, and 
in a simultaneous charge they advanced, but stili 
cautiously, not venturing near enough to discharge 
their arrows. They were thus drawn along into the 
trap. When fairly within rifle range, twenty-five 
unerring marksmen from their concealment, almost 
at the same instant, opened a death-dealing volley 
upon the surprised and bewildered warriors. The 
slaughter was terrible beyond anything they had 
ever, in their native battles, witnessed before. 
Twenty-five o( their bravest warriors, for the bravest 
were in the advance, fell dead or severely wounded. 

The Indians were thrown into an utter panic. 
The thunder, the lightning, and the death-bolts had 
come from they knew not where. With almost the 
rapidity of thought the rifles were again loaded and 
the whole united band rushed forward upon the 
Indians who were now flying wildly in all directions. 
Instinct taught them to perform all sorts of gyrations 
to avoid the bullets which pursued them. They 
made no attempt to rally, though many of their 
proud warriors were left bet ind lifeless or struggling 
in the convulsions of death. 

The power of the rifle was such that, in those 



AMONG THE TRAPPERS. 55 

days, forty or fifty men never hesitated to engage a 
whole tribe, though it might number one or two 
thousand warriors. A man will fight with terrible 
persistence when he knows that defeat is inevitable 
death by torture. It is a thousandfbld better to fall 
beneath the arrow, the tomahawk or the war-club, 
than to be consumed alive amid the jeers and tor- 
tures of yelling Indians inspired with demoniac 
instincts. Thus with the trapper it was always either 
victory or death. 

These hostile warriors were punished with a 
severity never to be forgotten. The fugitives carried 
far and wide to other roving tribes the tidings of 
their disaster. The bold trappers proceeded on their 
way, encountering no more serious mokstation. 
Smoke upon the distant hills indicated that their 
march was watched. If a trap was set at any dis- 
tance from the night's encampment, it was pretty 
surely stolen. Or if a weary mule was left to recruit, 
a little behind, intending to bring him up in the 
morning, before the dawn he disappeared. 

The whole party followed slowly down a tributary 
of the Colorado river, very successfully trapping upon 
the main stream and its branches, until they reached 
the head waters of the San Francisco river. They 
then divi ied, and Mr. Young with Carson and seven- 
teen others proceeded several hundred miles farther 



56 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

west, to the valley of the Sacramento. Before set- 
tiiig out for this long journey, as it was uncertain 
what game they might find by the way, two or three 
days were devoted to hunting. The skins of three 
deer were converted into water tanks, which were 
without difficulty carried by the mules. They were 
induced to this caution because some friendly Indians 
had assured them that there was a great destitution 
of water by the way. 

On their march they encountered a tribe of 
Indians in all their native wildness. They were very 
friendly though they had apparently never seen a 
white man before. Perhaps their friendliness was 
because they had never yet met any of the pale faces, 
from whom they subsequently suffered such great 
wrongs. These Indians presented remarkably fine 
specimens of the physical man. They were tall, 
erect and admirably proportioned. Their features 
were European, their eyes very full and expressive, 
and the dress of men and women simple in the ex- 
treme. They were all splendid horsemen, and often 
as they entered the camp at full speed on their 
spirited chargers, it seemed as though the steed and 
its rider, like the fabled centaur, were but one 
animal. Their bodies were painted and oiled so as 
to resemble highly polished mahogany. 

The travellers found the information commimi 



AMONG TilE TRAPPERS. 57 

cated to them by the friendly Indians to be true. 
For four days they travelled over a dreary, sandy 
waste, where there were neither streams nor springs, 
At the camping place each night there was given 
from the tanks, a small amount of water to each 
animal and man, but only enough to sustain 
life. A guard was set over the lest, for should any 
accident befall it the destruction of the whole party 
would be the probable consequence. 

As they were toiling along the fifth day, painfully 
through the sand, the mules began to manifest a 
strange excitement. They pricked up their ears, 
snuffed the air, then began to rush forward with all 
the speed their exhausted strength would allow. 
The sagacious animals had scented water at the dis- 
tance of nearly a mile. It was a clear running 
stream, fringed with grass and shrubs. When the 
first mule reached the water, the remainder were 
scattered for a great distance along the trail. Here 
the party encamped and remained for two days to 
recruit 

The bags of deerskin were again filled with water 
and the journey was resumed. The route still led 
over a similar barren region, where both man and 
beast suffered great privations from the want of 
water. On the fourth day they came in sight of the 
splendid valley of the great Colorado. It was with 
3* 



58 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

a thrill of delight that they gazed upon its verdure 
and its luxuriance, which were an hundredfold en- 
hanced from the contrast with the dreary region 
which they had just traversed. 

In their march of eight days through this barren 
and gameless region, their provisions had become 
quite exhausted. They chanced to come across 
some Indians from whom they purchased an old 
mare. The animal was promptly cut up, cooked and 
eaten with great gusto. They also obtained, from 
the same Indians, a small quantity of corn and beans. 
In the rich meadows of the Colorado our adventurers 
again found abundance. They spent a few delight- 
ful days here, feasting, trapping and hunting. The 
animals found, for them, a paradise in the luxuriant 
pastures of wild oats. 

Again the journey to the west was resumed. The 
account we have of their movements is so meagre 
that it is impossible to follow with accuracy the route 
they traversed. Th^y followed for some leagues a 
river, when suddenly its waters disappeared. They 
apparently sank beneath the surface of the quick- 
sands. Still there were indications which enabled 
them to follow the course of the river, until finally il 
rose again above the surface, and in the open aii 
flowed on to the ocean. 

At length they reached the celebrated Catholic 



AMONG THE TRAPPERS. 59 

Mission of San Gabriel, near the Pacific coast. The 
Mission was then in a flourishing condition. The 
statistics, pubhshed in 1829, indicate a degree of 
prosperity which seems almost incredible. More 
than a thousand Indians were attached to the Mis- 
sion, and were laboring in its widely-extended fields, 
tending its herds and cultivating the soil. The pooi 
Indians, who were often half starved upon the plains, 
found here light employment, shelter and abundant 
food. The statistics to which we refer, state that 
the Mission had seventy thousand head of cattle, 
four thousand two hundred horses, four hundred 
mules, and two hundred and fifty sheep. 

These Missions, several of which were established 
in a line, within about fifty miles of the Pacific coast, 
belonged to the Spanish government, and were sup- 
ported by the revenues of the crown. Animals 
multiplied with great rapidity upon those luxuri- 
ant and almost boundless prairies. They ranged 
sometimes, it was said, spreading out over a hun- 
dred thousand acres of wonderfully fertile pastures. 
There must of course, have been much guess-work 
in estimating the numbers of these vast herds, gene- 
rally wandering unattended at their pleasure. But 
with such supplies of animal and vegetable food 
there wa? no fear of want. The indolent Indiana 
consequently gathered around the Missions in great 



t)c CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

numbers. They were all fond of show, and not 
unwillingly became such christians as consists in 
attending the ceremonies of the church. 

The Mission, with its buildings, cultivated fields 
and vast herds, seemed like the garden of Eden to 
our weary travellers. They however, remained here 
but one day, as they were not on a tour of pleasure 
but in pursuit of furs. A day's travel brought them 
to another but much smaller Mission, called San 
Fernando. Without any delay they pushed on 
towards the west, their object being to enter the 
valley of the Sacramento river, where they had been 
told that beavers could be found in great abundance 
They expected to reach the banks of this now 
renowned, but then scarcely known river, after a few 
days* journey in a northeast direction. They were 
now in a delightful region. The climate was charm- 
ing. Brooks of crystal watei, and well filled with 
fishes, often crossed their path. There was abundant 
forage for their cattle ; and forest and prairie seemed 
alive with game. 

They soon reached the banks of the Sar Joaquin, 
a lovely stream flowing ncrtherly and emptying into 
the Sacramento near its mouth. There, finding a 
ver>^ eligible camping site, and many indications of 
beaver in the stream, Mr. Young halted his party, 
to rest for a few days, and in the meantime to set 



AMONG THE TRAPPERS. t>\ 

their traps. The general character of the scenery 
around them may be inferred from Mr. Bryant's 
description of a similar encampment in his overland 
journey to California. 

" Finding here an abundance of grass, we remain- 
ed the following day for the benefit of our animals. 
The valley was probably fifteen miles in length, with 
a variable width of two or three miles. It was a 
delightful spot. Wild plants grew in profusion, 
many-hued flowers studded its surface, and silvery 
streams, bordered by luxuriant verdure and shrubs, 
were winding through it. On both sides the moun- 
tains towered up by continuous elevations of several 
thousand feet, exhibiting a succession of rich vege- 
tation, and then craggy and sterile cliffs, capped by 
virgin snow, the whole forming a landscape of rare 
combinations of the beautiful and sublime." 

After a short rest the trappers continued their 
journey slowly, setting their traps on the San Joa 
quin and its tributaries. Pretty soon, much to their 
surprise, they saw indications that there was another 
band trapping on the same streams. In a short time 
they met, and it was found that the other party 
belonged to the Hudson Bay Company, and waa 
commanded by Peter Ogden. 

It is pleasant to record that the two parties, 
instead of fighting each other as rivals, cordially 



n2 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

fraternized. For several weeks they trapped neaf 
together, often meeting and ever interchanging the 
courtesies of brotherly kindness. These men were 
from Canada. They were veterans in the profession 
of hunting and trapping, having long been in the 
employment of the Hudson Bay Company, and 
having served a regular apprenticeship to prepare 
them for their difficult aud arduous employment. 
Here again the peculiarity of Kit Carson's character 
was developed. Instead of assuming that he knew 
all that was to be known about the wilderness, and 
the business in which he was engaged, he lost no 
opportunity of acquiring all the information he could 
from these strangers. He questioned them very 
carefully, and his experience was such as to enable 
him to ask just such questions as were most impor- 
tant. 

There is scarcely a man in America who has not 
heard the name of Kit Carson. No man can make 
his name known among the forty millions of this 
continent, unless there be something extraordinar)' 
in his character and achievements. Kit Carson was 
an extraordinary character. His wide-spread fame 
was not the result of accident. His achievements 
were not merely impulsive movements. He was a 
man of pure mind, of high morality, and intensely 
devoted to the life-work which he had chosen. His 



AMONG THE TRAPPERS. 63 

studies during the winter in the cabin of Kin Cade, 
had made him a proficient in the colloquial Spanish 
language. This proved to him an invaluable acqui- 
sition. He had also gathered and stored away in his 
retentive memory all that this veteran ranger of the 
woods could communicate respecting the geography 
of the Far West, the difficulties to be encountered 
and the mode of surmounting them. And now he 
was learning everything that could be learned from 
these Canadian boatmen and rangers. 

Already young Carson had attained eminence. 
It was often said, *' No matter what happens, Kit 
Carson always knows at the moment exactly what is 
best to be done." 

Both as a hunter and a trapper, though he had 
not yet attained the age of manhood, he was 
admitted to be the ablest man in the party. And 
his native dignity of person and sobriety of manners 
commanded universal respect. In this lovely valley 
both parties lived, as trappers, luxuriously. They 
were very successful with their traps. And deer, elk 
and antelope were roving about in such thousands, 
that any number could be easily taken. These were 
indeed the sunny, festival days of our adventurers. 

The two united parties, trapping all the way, 
followed down the valley of San Joaquin to the Sac- 
ramento. Here they separated. The Hudson Bay 



64 CHRISTOPHER C:ARS0N. 

Company set out for.the Columbia river. Mr. Young 
and his party remained to trap in the valley of the 
Sacramento. At this time an event occurred which 
again illustrates the fearlessness, sagacity and energy 
of Kit Carson. 

Not very far from their encampment there was 
the Catholic Mission of San Rafael. Some Indians 
belonging to that Mission, after committing sundry 
atrocities, fled, and took refuge in a distant Indian 
village. It was deemed important, in order that the 
Indians might be held under salutary restraint, that 
such a crime should not go unpunished. A forc^ 
was sent to demand the surrender of the fugitives. 
But the Indians assumed a hostile attitude, refused 
to give up the criminals, and fiercely attacking the 
Mission party, drove them back with loss. 

The Mission applied to the trappers for assistance. 
The request was promptly granted. Such a victory 
wonld puff up the Indians, render them insolent, and 
encourage them to make war upon other parties of 
the whites. Eleven volunteers were selected foi 
the expedition, and the young and fragile Kit Car- 
son was entrusted with the command. In maimers 
he was gentle as a girl, witn a voice as soft as that 
of a woman. He had no herculean powers of mus- 
cle, but he had mind, mental powers which had beeii 
developed in a hundred emergencies And thes^ 



AMONG THli TkAPP£.RS. 65 

ttout, hardy veterans of the wilderness stem with 
one accord to have decided that he was the fitting 
one to lead them into battle, where they were to 
encounter perhaps hundreds of savage warriors. 

Cautiously Kit Carson led his little band so as to 
approach the Indian village unperceived. At a given 
signal they raised the war-whoop and impetuously 
charged into the cluster of wigwams. As the terri- 
fied warriors rushed out of the huts, all unprepared 
for battle, these unerring marksmen laid them low. 
One-third of the warriors were slain. The rest fled 
in dismay. The village was captured with the 
women and the children. The victorious Carson 
then demanded the immediate surrender of the 
criminals. The next day they were brought in, 
strongly bound, and delivered to the Mission. With 
his heroic little band Kit Carson returned to the 
encampment, apparently unconscious that he had 
performed any unusual feat. 

The trappers purchased of the Mission sixty 
horses, paying for them in beaver skins, which always 
had a cash value. These horses were indispensable 
to the trapper. It required a large number to carry 
the packs of a successful trapping party. It would 
be impossible for the trappers to transport the packs 
upon their own backs. A party of forty trappers 
would need each a horse to ride. Then generally 



66 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

each man led a spare horse, lest the one he rode 
should break a limb or in any other way give out in 
the midst of the wilderness. If the expedition were 
successful, each trapper would have three or four 
horses or mules to lead or drive, laden with the 
packs of skins, the traps, camping utensils and a 
supply of food for an emergency. Thus a party of 
forty men would sometimes be accompanied by 
more than two hundred horses. Horses were cheap, 
and their food on the rich prairies cost nothing. 
But it was necessar}^ to guard the animals with the 
greatest care, for the Indians were continually 
watching for opportunities to steal them. 

Soon after Mr. Young, whose party it will be re- 
membered now consisted of eighteen men, had made 
his purchase of horses, in preparation for a return, 
as the animals were feeding on the open prairie, a 
band of Indians succeeded one night in stealing sixty 
of them, and with their booty, like the wind they 
fled towards the valleys of the Snow mountains. 
Such a cavalcade of horses in one band, travelling 
over the turf of the prairie, would leave a trail behind 
which could easily be followed. The number of the 
Indian thieves was not known, though the boldness 
of the robbery and their tracks hidicated that the 
band must have been large. 

Twelve men were immediately detached to pur- 



AMONG THE TRAPPERS. 67 

§ue the gang. Young Carson was then appointed 
leader. There were but fourteen horses left in the 
camp. Carson, having mounted his twelve men, had 
the other two horses led, to meet any emergency. 
Vigorously the pursuit was pressed. There was no 
difficulty in keeping the track. The Indian with all 
his cunning was never the equal of the far more in- 
telligent white man. Indeed the ordinary savage 
was often but a grown up-child. 

For more than one hundred miles Carson contin- 
ued his pursuit before he came up with the robbers. 
They had already entered the green valleys of the 
Snowy mountains. The eagle eye of the pursuer 
saw some smoke circling up in the distance. No or- 
dinary eye would have perceived it. Immediately 
he dismounted his men, and tethered the horses. 
The rifles were carefully examined, that every one 
might be loaded, primed, and in perfect order. The 
band then cautiously pressed forward, led by their 
boy captain, till they came to the entrance of a wild 
but lovely glen, where at the distance of perhaps a 
mile, they saw these savage warriors, enjoying all 
the luxury of a barbaric encampment. A mountain 
stream, rippled through the valley. The horses were 
grazing in the rich pasture. The thieves had killed 
six of the fat young horses, and having cooked them 
and fea<=ited to utter repletion, were lounging around. 



08 CHRISTOPHER CARSUJS. 

basking in the sun, in the fullness of savage felicity. 
Little were they aware of the tempest of destruction 
and death about to burst upon them. 

The Indians could not have chosen a more de- 
lightful spot for their encampment and their feast. 
Neither could they have selected a spot more favor- 
able for the unseen approach of the pursuers. B.ut 
the savages, having accomplished more than a hun- 
dred miles, deemed themselves perfectly safe. 

Carson carefully reconnoitred the position, gave 
minute directions to his men, and they all, with the 
noiseless, stealthy movement of the panther, worked 
their way along until they were within rifle distance 
of their foes. Every man selected his victim and 
took deliberate aim. The signal was given. The 
discharge was simultaneous. Twelve bullets struck 
twelve warriors. Most of them dropped instantly 
dead. Almost with the rapidity of thought the rifles 
were loaded, and the little band rushed upon the 
bewildered, terror-stricken, bleeding savages. The 
Indians scattered in every direction. Eight were 
killed outright. Carson had no love of slaughter. 
Many more, in their flight, might have been struck 
by the bullet ; but they were allowed to escape. All 
the horses were recovered excepting the six which 
the Indians had killed. 

Gieat was the rejoicing in the camp when the 



amo.:g the trappers. 69 

victorious party returned so abundantly successfuL 
One of the annalists of this extraordinary man speak- 
ing of the enterprise, ver}' 11 uthfully writes : 

" Carson, though at that day a youth in years and 
experience, had risen rapidly in the estimation of all, 
and had excited the admiration and enlisted the 
confidence of the entire band. When called upon to 
add his counsel, concerning any doubtful enterprise, 
his masterly foresight and shrewdness, as well as 
clearness in attending to details, gave him willing 
auditors. 

** But it was the modest deportment he invariably 
wore, which won for him the love of his associates. 
Kit Carson's power in quickly conceiving the safest 
plan of action in difficult emergencies, and his brav- 
ery, which in his youth, sometimes amounted to rash- 
ness, caused his companions to follow his leadership. 
His courage, promptitude, self-reliance, caution, sym- 
pathy and care for the wounded, marked him at once 
as the master mind. Like the great Napoleon, when 
he joined the army for his first campaign, he was a 
hero, in spite of his youth, among men grown grey 
with experience.'' 

The highest style of manhood, the most attractive 
character is that in which the mildness and the deli- 
cacy of the woman is combined with the energy and 
the fearlessness of the man. In Kit Carson we witnes* 



7© CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

A wonderful combination oi these two qualities. An 
acquaintance of the writer, who spent many years of 
his early life roving through the wilderness of the far 
West, and who had often met Kit Carson, said he 
never heard an oath from his lips. Even the rude 
and profane trappers around him could appreciate 
the superior dignity of such a character. 

Rev. Dr. Bushnell, speaking of the region in 
which our trappers were engaged, says, " Middle 
California, lying between the head waters of the two 
great rivers, and about four hundred and fifty or five 
hundred miles long from north to south, is divided 
lengthwise parallel to the coast, into three strips or 
ribbons of about equal width. First the coastwise 
region comprising two, three, and sometimes four 
parallel tiers of mountains, from five hundred to four 
thousand, five thousand or even ten thousand feet 
high. Next, advancing inward we have a middle 
strip, from fifty to seventy miles wide, of almost dead 
plain, which is called the great valley; down the 
scarcely perceptible slopes of which from north to 
south, and south to north run the two great rivers, 
the Sacramento and the San Joaquin, to join their 
waters at the middle of the basin, and pass off to 
the sea. The third long strip or ribbon is the 
ilope of the Snowy mountain chain which bound 



AMONG THE TRAPPERS. 7I 

the great valley on the East, and contains in its foot 
hills, or rather its lower half, all the gold mines." 

It was in this middle region called The Great Val- 
ley, that Mr. Young and his trappers pursued their 
vocation. They commenced far south, at the head 
waters of the San Joaquin, and trapped down that 
stream, a distance of about one hundred and fifty 
miles. They then struck the greater flood of the 
Sacramento, and followed up that stream nearly 
three hundred and fifty miles. They had now 
obtained furs enough to load down all the horses and 
mules at their disposal. They prepared to return to 
Santa Fe, where they were sure of a ready market 
for their furs, which would be sent to Europe for 
their final sale. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Conflicts with the Indians, 

The America.n Trappe/. — The Trapper of the Hudson's Bay Con 
pany. — The Return Trip. — Polished Life in the Wilderness.— 
The Spanish Gentlemen. — Council of the Trappers. — Self-pos- 
session cf Kit Carson. — The Camp Cleared of Intruders. — Rob- 
bing the Robbers. — Sale of the Furs. — Mr. Fitzpatrick's Expe- 
dition. — Pains and Pleasures of Rocky Mountain Life. — Pursuit 
of Indian Horse Thieves. — Extraordinary Battle. 

In the last chapter we have alluded to the 
friendly meeting, in the valley of San Joaquin, of 
the American trappers with a party from Canada, 
sent out by the Hudson's Bay Company. It is a 
remarkable fact, but one which all will admit, that 
the Hudson's Bay Company maintained far more 
friendly relations with the Indians than the Ameri- 
cans secured. In fact, they seldom had any difficulty 
with them whatever. The following reasons seem 
quite satisfactorily to explain this difference. It is 
said: 

" The American trapper was not like the Hud- 
son's Bay employees, bred to the business. OfteneJ 
than any other way he was some wild youth who. 



CONFLICTS WITH THE INDIANS. 75 

after some misdemeanor in the society of his native 
place, sought safety from reproach or punishment in 
the wilderness. Or he was some disappointed man. 
v\hc with feelings embittered towards his fellows, 
pffiffcrred the seclusion of the forest and mountain. 
Many were of a class disreputable everywhere, who 
gladly embraced a life not subject to social laws A 
few were brave, independent and hardy spirits, who 
delighted in the hardships and wild adventures their 
calling made necessary. All these men, the best 
with the worst, were subject to no will but their 
own. And all experience goes to prove that a Hfe 
of perfect liberty is apt to degenerate into a life of 
license. 

" Even their own lives, and those of their com- 
panions, when it depended upon their own prudence, 
were but lightly considered. The constant presence 
of danger made them reckless. It is easy to con- 
ceive how, under these circumstances, the natives 
and the foreigners grew to hate each other, in the 
Indian country, especially after the Americans came 
to the determination to "shoot an Indian at sight," 

*' On the other hand, the employees of the 
Hudson's Bay Company were many of them half- 
breeds, or full-blooded Indians of the Iroquoir 
nation, towards whom nearly all the tribes were 
kindly disposed. Even the Frenchmen, who trapped 



74 CHRISTOTMIKR CARSON. 

for this Company, were well liked by the Indians on 
Account of their suavity of manner, and the ease 
with which they adapted themselves to savage life 
They were trained to the life of a trapper, werf 
subject to the will of the Company, and were gene- 
rally just and equitable in their dealing with the 
Indians. Most of them also had native wives, and 
half-breed children, and were regarded as relatives 
There was a wide difference." 

It was the month of September when Mr. Young 
and his party set out on their return. The home- 
ward route was essentially the same which they had 
already traversed. They made a brief visit at the 
Mission of San Fernando, and then pressed on to the 
flourishing Mission village of Los Angelos. This 
City of the Angels, as it was called, from the salubrity 
of the climate and the beauty of the scenery, was on 
a small river about four hundred and fifty miles south- 
east from the present site of San Francisco. 

Here Mr. Carson was introduced to a scene of 
refined and polished life, such as he had never wit- 
nessed before. He was informed that a Spanish 
gentleman of wealth was residing, at the distance of 
a few miles, on one of the most highly cultivated 
farms in the country. Young Carson, who never 
allowed any opportunity of extending his knowledge 
to escape him, dressed himself carefully in his best 



CONFLICTS WITH THE INDIANS. 75 

apparel, mounted a fine horse, well caparisoned, and 
set out to pay the Spaniard a visit. 

He reached the rancJie, as the farm was called, 
dismounted at a wicket gate, and having fastened his 
horse, walked up several rods, over a gravelled -walk, 
and beneath an avenue of trees, with occasional 
clumps of shrubs and flowers, until he reached the 
residence. It consisted of a spacious one story edi- 
fice, built of sun-baked bricks, called adobe. The 
dwelling was a hundred feet long, and the roof was 
rendered impenetrable to rain, being covered with a 
thick coating of asphaltum, mingled with sand. There 
was a spring of this valuable pitchy substance near 
the village ; and the roofs of all the houses in Los 
Angelos were similarly covered. 

A huge brass knocker was attached to the door. 
In response to its summons, an Indian girl made her 
appearance, and ushered him into an elegantly fur- 
nished parlor. There were severah guitars lying 
about, with other indications that there were ladies in 
the household. Soon the gentlemanly owner of the 
farm appeared, in morning gown and slippers. He 
was a fine looking man, of dignified address, and 
courteously he saluted the stranger. 

There was a native air of refinement about Kit 
Carson, with his highly intellectual features, and his 
modest, self-possessed bearing, which seemed always 



76 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

to win, at si^ht, interest and confidence. Carson in 
troduced himself as an American, though he spoke 
in the Spanish language. His host, evidently much 
pleased with his guest, replied in English, saying: 

" I address you in your native tongue, which 1 
presume is agreeable to you, though you speak very 
good Spanish.'' 

The parties were immediately on the most friend- 
ly terms. Carson sought information which the 
Spanish gentleman was able and happy to give. It 
was an early hour in the morning. Carson was in- 
vited to remain to breakfast, and was soon conducted 
to the breakfast-room, where he was introduced to 
the wife of his host, and several sons and daughters. 

There was no restraint in conversation, as both 
parties could speak, with equal apparent facility, the 
Spanish and the English. There was a young gentle- 
man from Massachusetts, a graduate from a New 
England college, who was private tutor in the family. 
After breakfast the stranger was conducted around 
the farm, and to the vineyard. 

" I have more grapes," said the host, " than I 
know what to do with. Last year I made more butts 
of wine than I could dispose of, and dried five thou- 
sand pounds of raisins. I have travelled through 
Europe, and I think that neither the valley of the 
Rhine nor the Tagus can produce such grapes as our^ 



CONFLICTS WITH THE INDIANS. 77 

I think that the Los Angelos grape is inJeeJ food 
for angels. They are equal to the grapes of Escho) 
You remember the heavy clusters that were fojnd 
there, so that two men carried one on a pole resting 
«pon their shoulders. See that vine now. It is six 
inches in diameter. And yet it needs a prop to sus- 
tain the weight of the two clusters of grapes which it 
bears." 

"I have more oranges,*' he said, "than I can 
either use or give away. This is the finest country 
the sun shines upon. We can live luxuriously upon 
just what will grow on our own farms. But we can- 
not get rich. Our cattle will only bring the value of 
the hides. Our horses are of little worth, for there 
are plenty running wild, which a good huntsman can 
take with a lasso. I think that we shall have the 
Americans with us before many years, and, for my 
part, I hope we shall. The idea of the Californians 
generally, as well as other Mexicans, that the Ameii- 
cans are too shrewd for them, is true enough. But cer- 
tainly there is plenty of room for a large population, 
and I should prefer that the race that has most enter- 
prise should come and cultivate the country with us.*' 

Thus the conversation continued for two hours. 
Young Carson modestly suggested that it would be 
better if the Spaniards were less cruel in breaking iw 
their horses. 



78 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

**Your horses/' said he, "would make excellent 
buffalo hunters with proper training. I have some 
horses at camp, that I intend shall see buffalo. But 
why do you not deal gently with them when they 
ire first caught? You might thus preserve all the 
spirit they have in the herd. Pardon me, but I think 
that in taming your horses you break their spirits." 

" I sometimes think so too," the Spanish gentle- 
man rephed. " We mount one just caught from the 
drove, and ride him until he becomes gentle from 
exhaustion. Our custom is brought from Spain. It 
answers well enough with us, where our horses go in 
droves ; and when one is used up, we turn him out 
and take up another." 

When young Carson took his leave, the Spaniard, 
with true Castilian courtesy, pressed his hand, thanked 
him for his visit, and promised to return it at the 
camp. It was thus instinctively that Kit Carbon, 
naturally a gentleman, took his position among gen- 
tlemen. 

In the meantime most of the rude trappers, seem- 
ing to be almost of a different nature from Kit Car- 
son, were indulging in a drunken carouse at Los 
Angelos, They got into a brawl with the Mexicans, 
Knives were drawn, wounds inflicted, and one Mexi. 
can was killed. 

It became necessary to get these men away as 



CONFLICTS WITH THE INDIANS 79 

soon as possible. Carson was sent forward c day's 
march, with all who could be collected. The 
next day Mr. Young followed, having with much 
difficulty gathered the remainder of the band. Soon 
the party was reunited, and the men were recovered 
from their shameful debauch. Then for nine days 
they vigorously continued their march homeward, 
when they again reached the banks of the Colorado 
river, not far from the spot where they had crossed it 
before. 

Here they encamped for a few days, while most 
of the men ranged the stream for many miles up and 
down, still very successfully setting their traps. Car- 
son, with half a dozen men, was left to guard the 
camp. It was a responsible position. Nearly all the 
horses were there, and all the treasures of furs which 
they had gathered in their long and laborious excur- 
sion. As the animals were turned out to graze, the 
packs, which were taken from them, were arranged 
in a circular form so as to enclose quite a space, like 
a fortress. These bundles of furs not even a bullet 
could penetrate. Thus Kit Carson reared for himself 
and men a rampart, as General Jackson protected his 
troops with cotton bags at New Orleans. 

Scarcely was this work completed, when a band 
of five hundred Indians was seen approaching. As 
usual, they stopped at a short distance from the 



80 CHRISTOPHEK CARSON 

fortified camp, and a few of the warriors, laying 
aside their arms and expressing by words and ges- 
tures the utmost friendliness, came forward and were 
admitted into the camp. They were followed by 
others. Soon there were enough stalwart savages 
there easily to overpower, in a hand-to-hand fight, the 
feeble garrison of but six men. Carson's suspicions 
were excited, and watching their movements with an 
eagle eye, he soon discovered that they all had con- 
cealed weapons. 

Without the slightest apparent alarm he quietly 
summoned his men, with their rifles, into one corner 
of the enclosure. Then in his usual soft voice he 
directed each man to take deliberate aim at some one 
of the prominent chiefs. He himself presented the 
muzzle of his rifle within a few yards of the head of 
the leader of the now astonished and afirighted 
party. This was all the work of a moment. Then 
calmly he said to the leader, *' leave this fort instantly 
or you are dead men." A moment of hesitation on 
their part, a word of parleying would have been 
followed by the simultaneous discharge of the rifles, 
tad six of the warriors at least, would have been 
numbered with the dead. In a moment the fort was 
cleared, and the savages did not stop until they had 
got beyond the reach of rifle bullets. 

One of these Indians could speak Spanish. Thu< 



CONFLICTS WITH THE INDIANS. 8l 

Kit Carson again found the inestimable advantage 
of his winter's studies in the cabin of Kin Cade. 
The Indians, five hundred in number, mi^ht easily, 
at the expense of the loss of a few lives, have over- 
powered the white men, and seized all their animals 
and their goods. But Carson well knew their habits 
and that they would never hazard a contest where 
they must with certainty expect a number of their 
own warriors to be slain. Friendly relations were 
opened with the Indians, only two or three being 
admitted to the fort at a time. The animals were 
tethered in the rich herbage within the protection 
of their rifles and were carefully watched, night and 
day. 

In a few days the men who had left the camp on 
a trapping expedition, returned. The whole united 
company then followed down the south bank of the 
ColoradOj setting their traps every night, until they 
reached its tide waters. From that point they 
struck over east to the river Gila, and trapped up 
the western banks of that river until they reached 
the mouth of the San Pedro, a distance of more 
than two hundred miles. 

Their animals now were very heavily laden with 

furs, and they were in great need of more beasts of 

burden. The following is the account which is given 

of the manner in which they obtained a supply. It 

4* 



82 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

certainly looks very suspicious. It is not improbabli 
that the Indians, had they any historians, would give 
a very different version of the story. 

" Near the mouth of the San Pedro river they 
discovered a large herd of horses and mules. On a 
closer examination they found that they were in pos- 
session of a band of Indians, who had formerly given 
them some of their gratuitous hostihties. Not hav 
ing forgotten their former troubles with these people, 
they determined to pay them off in their own coin 
by depriving them of the herd. A short search suf- 
ficed to discover the Indian camp. Without waiting 
an instant, they put their horses to their speed, and 
charged in among the huts. The Indians were so 
completely taken by surprise, that they became panic- 
struck, and fled in every direction. They however 
rallied somewhat and a running fight commenced, 
which lasted some time, but which did not change 
matters in favor of the Indians. The entire herd fell 
into the possession of the trappers. 

" On the same evening, after the men had wrapped 
themselves up in their blankets, and laid down for 
sleep, and while enjoying their slumbers, a noise 
reached their ears which sounded very much like 
distant thunder. But a close application of the sense 
of hearing showed plainly that an enemy was near at 
hand. Springing up, with rifle in hand, for generally 



CONFLICTS W.FH THE INDIANS. &3 

In the mountains a man's gun rests in the same 
blanket with himself, on all sleeping occasicns, they 
salHed forth to reconnoitre, and discovered a few war- 
riors driving along a band of at least two hundred 
horses. The trappers comprehended instantly that 
the warriors had been to the Mexican settlement in 
Sonora, on a thieving expedition, and that the horses 
had changed hands, with only one party to the bai^ 
gain. The opportunity to instil a lesson on the sav- 
age marauders was too good to be lost. 

" They saluted the thieves with a volley from their 
rifles, which, with the bullets whizzing about their 
heads and bodies, so astonished them that they 
seemed almost immediately to forget their stolen 
property, and to think only of a precipitous flight. 
In a few moments the whites found themselves mas- 
ters of the field and also of the property. To return 
the animals to their owners was an impossibility. 
Mr. Young, therefore, selected as many of the best 
horses as he needed for himself and men, and, game 
being very scarce, killed two, and dried most of the 
meat for future use, turning the remainder loose." 

Such were the morals of the wilderness. Mr; 
Voung resolved himself into a court, of which he was 
legislator, judge, jury and executioner. The property 
of others he could confiscate at pleasure, for his own 
use. The Indians probably retaliated upon the first 



84 CllRISTC)PHc.K CARSOls. 

band of white men which came within their power 
And this retaUation would be deemed an act of 
wanton savage barbarism demanding the extinction 
o^ a tribe. 

Continuing their march up the Gila river, trapping 
all the way, from its head waters they struck across 
the country to Santa Fe. Here they found a ready 
market for their furs, at twelve dollars a pound. 
Their mules were laden down with two thousand 
pounds. Thus the pecuniary results of the trip 
amounted to the handsome sum of twenty four thou- 
sand dollars. The trappers, flush with money, re- 
turned to Taos. The vagabonds of the party soon 
squandered their earnings in rioting, and were then 
eager to set out on another excursion. It was now 
April, 1830. 

Young Carson was at this time a very handsome 
young man of twenty-one years. He had obtained a 
high reputation, and his pockets were full of money, 
with which he scarcely knew what to do. It is said 
that, for a time he was led astray by the convivial 
temptations with which he was surrounded. To 
what length he went we cannot ascertain. There ia 
no available information upon this point. Perhaps 
the whole story is but one of those slanders to which 
all men are exposed. One of his annalists writes : 

** Yaung Kit, at this period of his life, imitated 



CONFTJCTS WITH THE INDIANS. 85 

the example set by his elders, for he wished to be 
considered by them as an equal and a friend. He 
however passed through this terrible ordeal, which 
most frequenJ-ly i uins its votary, and eventually came 
out brighter, clearer and more noble for the con- 
science polish which he received. He contracted no 
bad habits, but learned the usefulness and happiness 
of resisting temptation ; and became so well schooled 
that he was able, by the caution and advice of wis- 
dom founded on experience, to prevent many a 
promising and skilful hand from grasping ruin in the 
same vortex." 

In the fall of this year Kit joined another trap- 
ping expedition. Its destination was to the innu- 
merable streams and valleys among the Rocky 
mountains. Mr. Fitzpatrick, a man of good reputa- 
tion and a veteran trapper, had charge of the party. 
Crossing a pass of the Rocky mountains, they 
pursued their route in a direction nearly north, a 
distance of about three hundred miles, till they 
reached the head waters of the Platte river. They 
were now on the eastern side of those gigantic 
ranges which form the central portion of the North 
American Continent. 

Here, in the midst of the mountains, the winter 
was inclement, with piercing blasts and deep snows. 
Still th^ trappers, warmly clad, vigorously pursued 



86 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

both hunting and trapping, availing themselves ol 
every pleasant day. In inclement weather tliey 
gathered joyously around their ample camp-fires, 
finding ever enough to do in cooking, dressing their 
skins, repairing garments, making moccasins, and in 
keeping their guns and knives in order. Some of 
these valleys were found sheltered and sunny. Even 
in mid-winter there were days of genial warmth 
They occasionally changed their camp and trapped 
along the banks of the Green, the Bear and the 
Salmon rivers. 

During the winter one sad incident occurred. 
Four of the trappers who were out in pursuit of 
game, were surrounded and overpowered by a nu 
merous party of Blackfeet Indians, and all were 
killed. There were buffaloes in abundance in that 
region, and these animals found ample forage, as 
they had the range of hundreds of miles, and 
instinct guided them to sheltered and verdant glens. 
But in some of the narrow, wind-swept valleys the 
animals of the trappers suffered from exposure and 
want of food. They v/ere kept alive by cutting 
down Cottonwood trees and gathering the bark and 
branches for fodder. But the trappers themselves, 
having abundance of game, fared sumptuously. 

The beaver is so intelligent that he is one of the 
most difficult animals in the world to entrap. Mar- 



CONFLICTS WITH THE INDIANS. 87 

vellous itories are told by the luintersof his sagacity 
Many of the Indians believe that the beavers have 
huniaii intelligence. They say that the only differ- 
ence between the beaver and the Indian, is that the 
latter has been endowed by the Great Spirit with 
capabilities to catch the former. 

Among these bleak, barren, gigantic ridges there 
are many lovely valleys to be found, scores of miles 
in length and width. Here are found two extensive 
natural parks, of extraordinary beauty. Apparently 
no landscape gardener could have laid them out 
more tastefully. There are wide-spread lawns, some- 
times level as a floor, sometimes gently undulating, 
smooth, green and at times decorated with an 
almost inconceivable brilliance of flowers. Here and 
there groves are sprinkled, entirely free from under- 
brush. There are running streams and crystal lake- 
lets. Birds of brilliant plumage sport upon the 
waters. Buffaloes, often in immense numbers, crop 
the luxuriant herbage. Deer, elks and antelopes 
bound over these fields, reminding one of his childish 
visions of Paradise. In the streams otter and 
fjeiverfind favorite haunts. 

During the winter, as business was a little dull, 
Kit Carson and four of his companions :>et off on a 
private hunting expedition. They were gone about 
six weeks. Soon after their return, in the lattei 



88 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

part of Januar}^, a party of Crow Indians, one very 
dark night, succeeded in stealthily approaching the 
ramp and in driving off nine of the animals which 
were grazing at a short distance. It was not until 
morning that the loss was discovered. 

As usual Kit Carson was sent, at the head of 
twelve men, in pursuit of the thieves. They selected 
their best horses, for it was certain that the Indians 
would make no delay in their flight. It was found 
quite difficult to follow their trail, for, during the 
night, a herd of several thousand buflaloes had 
crossed and recrossed it, quite trampHng it out of 
sight. Still the sagacity of Carson triumphed, and 
after being baffled for a short time, he again with 
certainty struck the trail. 

For forty miles the pursuit was continued with 
much vigor. The horses then began to give out. 
Night was approaching. Carson thought it neces- 
sary to go into camp till morning, that the horses 
might be refreshed and recruited. There was a 
grove near by. Just as they were entering it for 
their sheltered encampment, Kit Carson saw the 
smoke of Indian fires at no great distance in advance 
of him. He had no doubt that the smoke came 
from the encampment of the party he was pursuing. 

The Indians had ^ed from the north. Of course 
it would be from the north that they would look for 



CONFLICTS WITH THE INDIANS. 89 

chc approach of tlieir pursuers. The iouthein 
Dorders of their camp would consequently be lesa 
carefully guarded. The trappers remained quietly in 
their hiding-place until midnight. They then took a 
v.'He circuit, so as to approach the Indians from the 
south. The savages seemed to have lost all fear of 
pursuit, for the gleam of their triumphal fires shone 
far and wide, and the shouts of their barbaric revelry 
resounded over the prairie. 

Very cautiously Carson and his men approached^ 
availing themselves of every opportunity of conceal- 
ment, creeping for a long distance upon their hands 
and knees. Having arrived within half gunshot they 
gazed upon a very singular spectacle, and one which 
would have been very alarming to any men but 
those accustomed to the perils of the wilderness. 

A large number of Indian warriors, painted, 
plumed and decorated in the highest style of savage 
taste, were celebrating what they deemed a victory 
over the white men. Their camp was in a beautiful 
grove, on what would be called an undulating prairie. 
There was some broken ground which facilitated 
l.he approach of the trappers. The nine horses they 
had stolen were tethered in some rich grass, at a 
short distance from the encampment. The Indians 
had erected two large huts, or wigwams, which, in 
their caution, they had constructed partially as forts 



90 CIIRISTOPHEK CAKSUN. 

into which they could retreat ^nd protect themselves 
should they be attacked. 

The large fires were burning hotly. At these 
fires they had roasted two horses, and had feasted to 
satiety. They were now dancing franticly around 
these fires, brandishing their weapons, shouting their 
rude songs of defiance and exultation, interspersed 
with occasional bursts of the shrill and piercing war- 
whoop. The savages outnumbered the trappers many 
to one. They were also armed with rifles and had 
learned how to use them skillfully. Thus, in view 
of a battle, the odds seemed fearfully against the 
trappers. 

It was a dark night in January, and a piercing 
winter wind swept the prairie. Even savage muscles 
will get weary in the frenzied dance, and the con- 
tinuously repeated war-whoop will exhaust the most 
stentorian lungs. Carson ordered his men to remain 
perfectly quiet in their concealment. As they had 
but a scanty allowance of clothing, they suffered 
much from the intense cold. Soon after midnight 
the savages threw themselves down around the fires 
and most of them were soon soundly asleep. 

Kit Carson then, with five of his companions, 
cautiously crept towards the horses, drew out the 
picket-pins and led them a short distance to a place 
of concealment nearer their own camp. Several of 



CUxVFLICTS WITH THE INDIANS. 9! 

the party were then in favor of returning, w!th theii 
recovered property, as rapidly as possible. They 
would have several hours* advantage of the savages, 
md they thought it not advisable to provoke a conflict 
AJth foes outnumbering them, and who were also 
armed with rifles. 

But Mr. Carson said, '' our horses are exhausted. 
We cannot travel fast. We shall certainly be pur- 
sued. The Indians can judge from our trail how few 
we are in numbers. They are perfectly acquainted 
with the country. They can select their point of 
attack. With their large numbers they can surround 
us First they will shoot our horses. Then we shall 
be on foot and at their mercy. We now can take 
them by surprise. Our only safety consists in so 
weakening them, and appalling them by the vehe- 
mence of our attack, that they will have no heart to 
renew the conflict." 

We do not profess to give Mr. Carson's precise 
words. These were his views. They were so mani- 
festly correct that all, at once, fell in with them. 
The united party then again advanced, w^ith rifles 
cocked and primed, towards the Indian camp. The 
trappers were in the shade. The recumbent forms 
of the sleeping Indians were revealed by the smoul- 
dering fires. When they were within a few yards of 
the foe, an Indian dog gave the alarm. Instantly 



92 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

every savage sprang to his feet, presenting a perfect 
target to these marksmen who never missed theii 
aim. There was almost an instantaneous discharge 
of rifles and thirteen Indian warriors fell weltering in 
their blood. 

The rest, thus suddenly awoke from sound sleep» 
witnessing the sudden carnage, and vdth no foe 
visible, fled precipitately to their forts. But the 
trappers instantly reloaded their pieces and, secure 
from harm, in the darkness, and behind the trees, 
struck with the bullet every exposed Indian, and 
five more fell. This was an awful loss to the Indians. 
Still they greatly outnumbered the whites. But 
they were caught in a trap. They had neither food 
nor water in their forts. Not an Indian could creep 
from them without encountering certain death. 

Upon the dawn of day the Indians were able to 
ascertain that their foes were but few in number. 
As the only possible resort, which could save them 
from destruction, they decided to make a simulta- 
neous rush, from the forts into the grove, and to take 
their stand also behind the protection of the trees. 
This would give them, with their superior numbers, 
the advantage over the trappers. They were good 
marksmen with the rifle, and were accustomed to 
that style of fighting. Mr. Carson was prepared foi 
this movement. They made the rush, and they 



CONFLICTS WITH THE INDIANS. 93 

met their doom. Thirteen more warriors were 
struck down, either killed or severely wounded. 

The Indians had now lost thirty-one warricrs. 
Discouraged and appalled they retreated. The way 
was now clear for the return of Kit Carson. The 
savages made no attempts to obstruct their path. 
With all the horses which had been stolen, and 
without a man injured, this Napoleon of the wilder- 
ness re-entered the camp to be greeted by the cheen 
of his comrades. 



CHAPTER V. 

Marches and Encampments, 

The Encampment Among the Rocky Mountains. — The Attempted 
Stampede. — Retreat and Pursuit by the Savages. — The Alarm. — 
Loss of the Horses. — Their Recovery. — Enterprise of Kit Car« 
son. — Fight with the Indians. — The Litter for the Wounded.— 
Union of the two Trapping Parties. — Successful Return tc 
Taos. — Carson joins a Trading Party. — Chivalric Adventures.— 
Attacked by Bears. 

Mr. Fitzpatrick, with his party of trappers, 
wandering to and fro, found himself at length en- 
camped on the head waters of the Arkansas river, in 
the heart of the Rocky mountains, more than a 
thousand miles from the point where that majestic 
stream empties into the Mississippi. Their inter- 
course with the Indians had not been such as to 
secure friendly relations. Powerful tribes were 
around them, ready to combine for their destruction. 
The men were widely scattered in their trapping 
excursions, and but few were left here to guard the 
camp and the furs already taken. 

It is impossible to trace with accuracy the course 
pursued by these different bands, neither is it a mat- 



MARCHES AND ENCAMPMENTS. 95 

ter of any moment. Kit found himself at one time, 
left with but one man to guard the camp. He was 
fully conscious of his danger, and made every possi- 
ble preparation for defence, should they be attacked. 
With food in abundance, loop-holes properly ar- 
ranged, and a number of rifles ever ready loaded, nc 
war-party, however numerous, could seize the fort 
without the loss of many of their men. And as we 
have said, the boldest of these warriors were never 
willing to expose themselves unprotected to rifle 
shot. 

Neither of the men dared to venture far from 
their camp for game. Fortunately this was not 
necessary. Game existed in such abundance that, 
almost from the door of their fortification, they could 
shoot any quantity they needed. Ihey always kept 
a careful guard. While one slept the other watched. 
For a month these two men were in this lonely posi- 
tion. At the end of that time Mr. Blackwell, one 
of the partners in one of these expeditions, arrived 
with fifteen fresh men, and a very thorough outfit. 
It was a joyful meeting, and the whole party, taking 
with them their furs, commenced a march to the Salt 
springs, near the head waters of the Platte river. 

These adventurers had been but four days on 
their route, when one morning as they were break- 
fasting, the guard gave the startling cry of *' Indians.' 



^ CHRISTOrUER CARSOJS. 

Every man was instantly on his feet, rifle in hand 
The horses ol the trappers were at but a short dis- 
tance from the camp, turned loose to crop the grass, 
which was there scanty, wherever they could find it. 
But when Kit Carson was in a company nothing waa 
ever left to chance. The animals were all carefully 
hobbled, a hind foot and a fore foot so bound 
together that they could not possibly run. 

The Indians, on fleet horses, with flaunting pen- 
nons, hair streaming in the wind, and uttering 
demoniac yells, came down like the sweep of the 
tornado upon the animals. Their object was to 
cause a stampede, that is, to throw the animals into 
-such a panic that they would break away from every- 
thing, and follow the Indian horses off into the 
boundless prairie. The trappers thus left without 
any steeds, would find pursuit impossible. 

The movement was so sudden and so rapid that, 
4:hough several shots were fired, but one Indian was 
struck. He fell dead upon the sod. One horse only 
was lost. One of the warriors, as he was passing by 
on the full run, succeeded in cutting the cord of a 
rearing, struggling steed, and the terrified animal 
disappeared with the mounted herd. Had it not 
been for the precaution of hobbling the horses, 
probably every one would have been lost in this 
-attempted stampede. What is usually called good 



MARCHES AND ENCAMFMENTS. 97 

luck, is almost always the result of wise precautions. 
In reference to this adroit mode of horse-stealing 
adopted by the Indians, it is written : 

" These stampedes are a source of great profit to 
the Indians of the Plains. It is by this means they 
deprive the caravans of their animals. The Coman- 
ches are particularly expert and daring in this kind 
of robbery. They even train horses to run from one 
given point to another, in expectation of caravans. 
When a camp is made which is nearly in range, they 
turn their trained animals loose, who at once fly 
across the plain, penetrating and passing through the 
camp of their victims. All of the picketed animals 
will attempt to follow, and usually succeed. Such 
are invariably led into the haunts of the thieves, who 
easily secure them. 

** Young horses and mules are easily frightened. 
And, in the havoc which generally ensues, often- 
times great injury is done to the runaways them- 
selves. The sight of a stampede on a grand scale, 
requires steady nerves to witness without tremor. 
And woe to the footman who cannot get out of the 
way when the frightened animals come along. At 
times, when the herd is large, the horses scatter 
over the open country and are irrecoverably lost. 

A favorite policy of the Indian horse thieves is to 
creep into camp, cut loose one animal and thoroughly 
5 



gS CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

frighten him. This animal seldom fails to frighten 
the remainder, when away they all go with long 
ropes and picket-pins dangling after them. The 
latter sometimes act like harpoons, being thiown 
with such impetus as to strike and instantly kill a 
valuable steed from among the brother runaways. 
At other times the limbs of the running horses get 
entangled in the ropes, and they are suddenly 
thrown. Such seldom escape without broken legs 
or severe contusions, which are often incurable. The 
necessity of travelHng on, without delay, renders it 
an impossibility to undertake the cure, when it 
might be practicable under other circumstances." 

The next day the party of trappers travelled fifty 
miles, till they thought themselves beyond the reach 
of the hostile savages. Still they knew how stealth- 
ily their trail might be followed, and they were vigi- 
lant to guard against surprise. They selected, for 
their night's encampment, a beautiful spot upon the 
banks of a clear mountain stream, which emptied 
into the Arkansas river. They had there a smooth 
and verdant meadow, of limited extent, affording 
fine pasturage. Here the wearied animals were 
strongly picketed. There was also a grove, where 
they could obtain fuel and timber for such camp 
protection as they might require. 

It was nearly dark when they reached this spot 



MARCHES AND ENCAMPMENTS. 99 

hungry and tired after the long journey of the day. 
But their camp-fires soon blazed brightly. Rich 
viands of choice cuts of venison and other game, 
were cooked by artistic hands. And the mountain 
springs afforded them cool and delicious water 
With ravenous appetites they partook of a feast 
which any gourmand might covet. And then 
wrapped in their furs, and surrounded by the silence 
and solitude of the wilderness, with the whole wild 
scene illumined by their fires, they fell asleep. In 
accordance with invariable custom a careful guard 
was set. 

They had one cause of solicitude, which to any 
person unfamiliar with mountain Hfe would have 
been very serious ; the place abounded with rattle- 
makes. The whole region seemed to be a favorite 
rendezvous for these venomous reptiles. These 
mountaineers, however, had become so thoroughly 
acquainted with their habits, as to sleep in the midst 
of them without anxiety. In the night the rattle- 
snake seldom moves, in the daytime with his rattles 
he gives chivalric warning before he strikes with his 
fangs. Consequently it is not often that the trapper 
or the Indian is bitten. 

Our travellers carefully examined the ground 
over which they reared their frail shelters, and then 
folded in their blankets or buffalo robes, experienced 
L.ofC. 



lOO CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

no solicitude. About midnight a faithful dog began 
to bark furiously. It was not doubted that the 
sagacious animal scented the approach of Indians. 
Every trapper was instantly on his feet, with his 
rifle in his hand. Their attention was immediately 
directed to the horses. The Indians were profes- 
sional thieves, not murderers ; they were in search 
of booty, not of revenge. And when they sought to 
take the lives of the trappers, it was merely as a 
necessary means for attaining their end of robbery. 

It subsequently appeared that the Indians were 
undoubtedly near, and that the dog had not given a 
false alarm. The savages probably from their 
covert, saw that the animals were strongly tethered, 
and that the trappers were on the alert. Any at- 
tempt to stampede the horses,would expose them to 
the bullets of these unerring marksmen. They 
therefore withdrew, waiting for a more favorable 
opportunity. After an hour of watching, the trap- 
"^ers, about seventeen in number, having posted an 
extra guard, lay down again, but not for sleep. They 
expected e\ ery moment to see a band of mounted 
savages, perhaps several hundred in number, coming 
with the sweep of the whirlwind upon their horses, 
and yelling like demons as they drove the terrified 
animals far away into the wilderness. The night, 
h >wever, passed away without further disturbance 



MARCHES AND ENCAMPMENTS. lOI 

All the morning dawned serene and cloudless upoi> 
them, all suspicions seem to have been dispelled. 
They replenished their fires, cooked their savory 
breakfast, and decided to remain for a day or two '» 
their delightful encampment. The region abounded 
with the most desirable game, and it was thought that 
beaver might be found in the adjacent streams. 

Kit Carson had a remarkably retentive memory^ 
and a wonderful aptitude for comprehending the 
mazes of rivers, mountains, and valleys. He had 
very thoroughly studied the geography of these 
regions, and told his companions that at a distance 
of a few miles, there was a much larger stream than 
that upon which they were encamped ; and that he 
had been informed that beaver were to be found 
there in abundance. There were two ways of ap* 
proaching that stream ; the shorter, but more diffi- 
cult one, was by clambering over a mountain ridge 
several hundred feet high, and then descending into 
the valley beyond, through which the river flowed. 
The other and much longer route, was to follow 
down the small stream upon whose banks they 
were encamped, for several miles, until they reached 
its entrance into the larger river. 

Four of the trappers, led by Kit Carson, under- 
took to cross this Rocky Mountain peak, and explore 
the valley beyond. They mounted four horses. 



I02 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

laden with their traps, and other articles essential 
for a short trapping excursion. Probably the 
Indians, hidden in the distance, were with keen eyei 
watc ling every movement at the camp. Carson and 
his companions had been absent but about foui 
hours, and others of the party were dispersed in 
search of game, when a large band of Indians, 
mounted on fleet horses, with flaunting pennons, 
and hair streaming in the wind, and making the 
cliffs resound with their yells, succeeded in liberating 
a large number of the horses, and with their booty, 
rapidly disappeared down the winding glen. 

This all took place in almost less time than it has 
required to describe it. The hardihood and fearless- 
ness of these hunters is signally manifest in the fact 
that four of these men instantly grasped their rifles, 
and springing upon four of the fleetest of their re- 
maining horses, set out in pursuit of these savages, 
who outnumbered them ten to one. The narrow- 
ness of the glen was such, that the pursuers had the 
decided advantage over the spoil-encumbered pur- 
sued. They soon overtook them, and opened upon 
them a deliberate and deadly fire. One warrior fell 
dead from his horse. The others, imminently ex- 
posed to the same fate, with terror abandoned the 
drove they had captured, and soon disappeared in 
their rapid flight. The horses were all regained, and 



MARCHES AND ENCAMPMENTS. lOJ 

vvith them the victorious party returned to the camp, 
One of the men however .vas seriously wounded, 
having been struck by a bullet from one of the In* 
aian warriors, several of whom were armed with 
rifles. 

In the meantime, Carson and his companions, 
after surmounting great difficulties, reached the valley 
they sought, and to their disappointment, found no 
beaver there. Crossing the ridge had proved so dif- 
ficult, that they decided to return by the more cir- 
cuitous route of the two valleys. As they were rid- 
ing along on their pathless way, they suddenly came 
upon four Indian warriors, evidently on the war-path ; 
painted, plumed and armed in the highest style of 
mihtary decoration. The four Indians instantly 
turned their horses and fled. The four trappers at 
once spurred on their steeds, and pursued them. 

They were dashing on at their highest speed, 
v/hen suddenly they found they had been led into an 
ambush. Sixty warriors came rushing upon them 
from behind the hill, where they had been concealed. 
The trappers had no time for deliberation. There 
was but one possible escape. It was to run the 
gauntlet. Bowing down to the necks of their 
horses, so as to expose their persons as little as possible 
to bullets or arrows, they urged their steeds to their 
utmost speed. The horses had an instinctive dread 



I04 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

of the Indian. Sharing the alarm of their riders, they 
became fi antic with terror, and needed no urging in 
their impetuous race. The Indians were often with- 
in sixty feet of their victims, and bullets and ar- 
rows flew thickly around the trappers. But both 
patties being on the fiercest run, and there being 
interposing obstacles of rocks, and shrubs, and trees, 
accurate aim was impossible. As the fugitives drew 
near their camp, the Indians relinquished the pursuit. 
One of the men had been struck by an arrow and 
wounded. 

It was late in the afternoon when these heroic 
men were all re-assembled around the camp-fires, to 
recount the adventures of the day. With the sleep- 
lessness of the preceding night, and the toil and 
peril which the rising sun had ushered in, they were 
all exceedingly exhausted. Still the consciousness 
that they were surrounded by a vigilant and power- 
ful foe, rendered it necessary* for them to adopt every 
precaution for their safety. They tethered their 
horses with very great care, near their camp. They 
prepared hasty ramparts which guarded every ap- 
proach ; and having established a very cartful guard, 
sought that repose which all so greatly needed. 
The night passed without alarm. 

At the distance of four day?, maich, there wa» 
another encampment of trappers, under Mr. Gaunt 



MARCHES AND ENCAMPMENTS. I05 

They decided as speedily as possible to join Ihem. 
But the two wounded men found their wounds so 
inflamed that they could not travel. The trappers 
accustomed to such exigencies, prepared for them 
litters very ingeniously constructed. They cut two 
flexible poles about twenty-four feet long. These 
were laid upon the ground, three feet apart, and a 
buffalo robe laid between them, strongly fastened on 
either side, so as to present a swinging hammock 
about six feet in length. This left at either end 
shafts about six feet long. Two mules or horses, of 
about the same size were selected as carriers. The 
ends of these shafts were attached to saddles, on 
each of the animals. Thus the patient was borne by 
a gentle, swinging motion, over the roughest paths. 

In four days they reached Gaunt's camp. The 
whole united party set out for the lovely region to 
which we have before alluded, known as the Great 
Park. Here they found beautiful scenery, game in 
abundance, a delicious climate, rich pasturage for 
their animals, but no beavers. Other trapping 
parties had just preceded them, and emptied all the 
streams of their furs. For a week or two they 
wandered far and wide, setting their traps in vain. 
At length Kit Carson, weary of such profitless pur- 
suits, took two chosen companions with him, and with 
the hearty good wishes of Mr. Gaunt and the re* 



I06 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

maining trappeis, set out on an expedition on his 
own account. 

He plunged directly into the very heart of the 
mountains, where game not being abundant he would 
be less likely to be annoyed by the savages. His 
experience and sagacity guided him safely and suc- 
cessfully. For several months these three men 
wandered about among these lonely streams, which 
even the Indian rarely visited. They found beaver 
in abundance, and loading down their animals with 
the well packed furs, set out on their perilous journey 
home. It was necessary for them to pass over miles 
of open prairie, where Indian bands were ever found 
pursuing buffalo, deer and other game. It would 
seem that a miracle only could preserve them from 
attack, and they were too few in numbers for a per- 
sistent defence. 

The sagacity of Kit Carson, however, triumphed 
over all the obstacles he had to encounter. K<? 
traversed the forest and the prairie undiscovereri, 
and reached Taos with all his animals and tliei' 
precious freight. Here he found furs in great 
demand. Traders were there from variou? parts of 
the States, ready to purchase his suppl/ at the 
highest prices. Kit Carson was abundantly rewarded 
for all his toil, and for a mountain trapper, might be 
deemed rich His two companions speedily squan- 



MARCHES AND ENCAMPMENTS. lO/ 

dered their earnings in all kinds of extravagant and 
senseless revelry. Mr. Carson, having perhaps learned 
wisdom from past experience, judiciously invested 
the sums he had acquired. 

Mr. Carson had now very decidedly stepped out 
from the ranks of vagabondage, in which so many 
of the reckless trappers were wandering, and had 
entered the more congenial association with intelli- 
gent and respected men. There was at that time at 
Taos, a gentleman by the name of Lee. He had 
the title of Captain, having been formerly an officer 
in the United States army. He was then a partner 
in the firm of Bent and Vrain, merchants of renown 
in the fur trade. This firm, in the eager pursuit for 
furs, had dispatched Captain Lee to these remote 
frontiers in New Mexico 

Bands of energetic trappers were penetrating 
streams and valleys, over distances thousands of 
miles in extent. Many of the Indians also, seeking 
lucrative trade with the white men, had purchased 
steel traps and had become quite successful in the 
capture of beavers. Captain Lee had obtained a 
large number of mules. These he was to load with 
packs, containing such goods as he thought would 
be the most eagerly sought foi by the trappers. 
Then with a cavalcade of perhaps forty or fifty 
mules, horses for his party to ride and spare horses 



ao8 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

to meet any accidental loss, he was to set out on a 
long tour of hundreds of miles, climbing the moun. 
tains, threading the valleys, crossing the prairies in 
search of these widely wandering bands. 

In exchange for his goods he received furs; and 
the mules returned with their freightage of very rich 
treasure. This was in the latter part of October, 
1832. Captain Lee became acquainted with Kit 
Carson, and immediately appreciated his unusual 
excellencies as a companion in an enterprise so 
arduous and perilous, as that in which he was en- 
gaged. He made him so liberal an offer to join his 
company, that Mr. Carson promptly accepted it. 

There is a narrow mule-path which has been 
traversed for ages, between New Mexico and Cali- 
fornia. The mules and the Indians ever travel it in 
single file. It was then known by the name of The 
Old Spanish Trail. 

As merchants, not trappers, they marched, with- 
out any delay, down White river, forded Green river, 
and struck across the country to Windy river. As- 
cending its windings, they reached the camp of Mr. 
Robidoux, who, with twenty men in his employ, was 
there setting his traps. They had scarcely arrived 
at the encam^pment, when snow began to fall, and 
an early winter seemed to be setting in. It was 
deemed expedient for the united party to establish 



MAKCHEh AND ENCAMPMENTS. IO9 

winter quarters there. They erected very comfort- 
able lodges, of buffalo skins, quite impervious to 
wind and rain, and made everything snug for a 
mountain home. They had food in abundance, 
ifliple materials for making and repairing their cloth- 
ing, and when gathered around their bright and 
warm camp-fires seemed to be in want of nothing. 

Attached to Mr. Robidoux's company there was 
an Indian of great strength and agility, in whom 
much confidence was reposed. He had become veiy 
expert with the rifle, and had shrewdly studied all 
the white man's modes of attack and defence. 
Horses were in this remote region very valuable. 
They could not easily be obtained, and were indis- 
pensable to transport the furs. They were worth 
two hundred dollars each. 

This Indian, one night, selected six of the fleet- 
est horses, and mounting one and leading the rest, 
with his stolen property, disappeared over the track- 
less waste. It was a sum total loss of twelve hun- 
dred dollars. But the immediate pecuniary loss was 
not all, for the horses could not easily be replaced, 
and without them all the movements of the trapping 
party were greatly crippled. Mr, Robidoux. know- 
ing Kit Carson's reputation for sagacity and courafye 
immediately applied to him to pursue the Indian 
It was just one of those difficult and hazardous 



no CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

enterprises which was congenial to the venturous 
spirit of Carson. 

There was a friendly tribe of Indians in the 
vicinity, in which there was a young warrior whose 
chivalric spirit had won the confidence and regaid 
of Carson. This young man was easily induced to 
join him in the chase. But a short time was re- 
quired for preparation. Grasping their rifles, and 
taking their blankets, they each mounted a fine 
horse and set out in pursuit of the fugitive, who had 
several hours the start of them. The wary thief had 
so successfully concealed the direction of his flight 
that it took them some time to discover his trail 
Having at length found it, they set off, at the high- 
est speed which they felt that their animals could 
endure. Over soft ground, the marks left by six 
horses, running in one compact band, could be with- 
out difficulty followed. But at times the nature of 
the soil was such that but a very indistinct imprint 
of their footprints was left. 

As the thief, in his flight, conscious that he 
might be overtaken, would make no difference be- 
tween day and night, it was necessary that his pur- 
suers snould also press on without allowing darkness 
to delay them. This added greatly to the difficulty 
of following the trail. But the sagacity of Carson 
and his intelligent Indian comrade triumphed over 



MARCHES AND ENCAMPMENTS. IIB 

aJl these obstacles. For one hundred miles they fol- 
lowed the fugitive with unerring precision. But now 
they encountered a sen'ous calamity. 

This singular race was down the valley of the 
Jieen river. The Indian's horse suddenly gave out 
completely. He could go no farther. Nothing re- 
mained for Carson but to rehnquish the pursuit, and 
slowly to return with the dismounted Indian, or to 
continue the chase alone. Carson could not endure 
the thought of failure. His pride of character led 
him ever to resolve to accomplish whatever he 
should undertake. He seems not at all to have 
thought of the peril he would encounter in grappling 
with the savage alone. The Indian was of herculean 
size and strength, and of wonderful agility. He was 
well armed, and thoroughly understood the use of 
his rifle. His bravery had already given him renown^ 
and it was certain that under the circumstances he 
would fight with the utmost desperation. 

Kit Carson, on the other hand, was slender and 
almost boyish in stature. In a conflict with the 
burly savage it would be a David meeting a Goliath 

It was a peculiarity of Mr. Carson's mind, that 
his decisions were instantaneous. He never lost any 
time in deliberation ; but whatever the emergency, 
he seemed instinctively to know at the moment, ex- 
actly the best thing to be done. The most mature 



IIJ CHKlSTOriiEk CARSON. 

subsequent deliberation invariably proved the wi»i 
dom of the course he had adopted. This was said 
to have been a marked peculiarity in the mind of 
Napoleon I. However great the complication of 
affairs, however immense the results at issue, his 
mind at a single flash discerned the proper measures 
to be adopted ; and without the slightest agitation 
the decision was pushed into execution. 

Carson looked for a moment upon his unhorsed 
comrade, uttered no words of lamentation, bade him 
good bye, wished him a successful return, and pushed 
forward on his truly heroic enterprise. Thirty miles 
farther he rode alone through the wilderness, care- 
fully husbanding his horse's strength, allowing him 
occasional moments of rest, and not unfrequently 
reheving him of his burden as he ran along by his 
side. Though Mr. Carson was, as we have said, very 
fragile in form, his sinews seemed tireless as if 
wrought of steel. 

At length, just as he was rounding a small emi- 
nence on the open prairie, he caught sight of the 
Indian with his stolen cavalcade, not an eighth of a 
mile before him. He was mounted on one of the 
most powerful of the steeds, moving leisurely along, 
leading the rest. There chanced to be two or three 
trees not far from the savage. The moment he 
caught sight of Carson, his keen eye discerned who 



MARCHES AND ENCAMPMENTS. II3 

his foe was. Instantly he leaped from his horse, 
rifle in hand, and rushed at his highest speed for the 
trees. Could he but reach that covert, Carson's fate 
was sealed beyond any possibility of escape. 
Sh^'ltered by the trunk of the tree, he could take 
deliberate aim at his foe, exposed on the open prai- 
rie within half rifle shot. 

Carson comprehended the peril of his position. 
He sprang from his horse, unslung his rifle, took 
calm and sure aim, and just at the moment when the 
Indian was reaching his covert, the sharp report was 
heard, the bullet whistled through the air, the Indian 
gave one convulsive bound and fell dead upon the 
sod. The savage had already cocked his rifle. As 
he fell the piece was discharged, and the bullet in- 
tended for Carson's heart, whizzed harmlessly through 
the air. Such scenes were of constant occurrence 
in this wild mountaineer life. They produced no 
lasting impression. The shooting of a bear, a buffalo 
or an Indian seemed about ahke eventful. These 
pioneers being entirely beyond the protection of law, 
vere compelled to be a law to themselves. 

Mr. Carson collected the horses, who were all 
very weary, and quietly commenced his return home. 
He did not urge the animals at all, allowed them to 
feed abundantly on the rich prairie, and after a few 
days' journey, modestly entered the camp with his 



114 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

recaptured animals all in good condition. This was 
another of those victories which Carson was con- 
tinually winning, and which were giving him in- 
creased renown. 

A few days after his return to the encampment, 
two or three wandering trappers entered their lodges, 
and informed them that a numerous party were 
encamped on Snake river, about fifteen days jour- 
ney from them. This party was in the employ of 
two men quite distinguished in the fur trade, Messrs. 
Fitzpatrick and Bridger. Snake river is one of the 
tributaries of Green river, or rather flowing from the 
western declivities of the Rocky mountains, it first 
enters Bear river, then Green river, then the Colo- 
rado river, down whose current it flows a distance of 
more than a thousand miles into the gulf of Cali- 
fornia. 

The encampment at Snake river was five or six 
hundred miles almost due north from Taos. West 
of the Rocky mountains the climate is much more 
mild than in the same latitudes east of those gigan- 
tic ridges. Though it was midwinter, and though 
many snow -storms were to be encountered, Mr. Lee 
decided to set out immediately on that journey, 
doubting not that he could readily dispose of his 
remaining goods to Messrs. Fitzpatrick and Bridger. 

The execution of this enterprise would require a 



MARCHES AND ENCAMPMENTS. CI 5 

very laborious march ; but still one not fraught with 
much danger trom the severity of the cold. Though 
there were often treeless prairies, whose bleak ex- 
panse the}' must traverse, all the streams, even the 
smallest, were fringed with forests. Suitable pre- 
caution would enabL them every night to obtain 
the shelter of some one of these groves. They were 
almost certain during the day to obtain all the game 
they would need. A couple of hours' work with 
their axes, would enable them to rear a sufficient 
shelter for the night. With an immense fire roaring, 
and crackling, and throwing out its genial warmth in 
front of their camp, they could, wrapped in their 
furs and with their feet to the fire, enjoy all the 
comfort which the pioneers of the wilderness could 
desire. No matter how dismally the wintry storm 
might wail through the tree- tops, no matter how 
fiercely the smothering, drifting snow-storm might 
sweep the prairie, they, in their warm and illuminated 
cabins, could bid defiance alike to gale and drift. 
Their hardy animals, ever accustomed to unsheltered 
life in winter as well as summer, knew well how t^ 
find the grass beneath the snow, or to browse upon 
the succulent foliage. 

The journey, though it proved very toilsome, was 
successfully accomplished. Captain Lee, with Carson 
and their accompanying band, having reached the 



fl6 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

Snake river encampment, readily sold all his goods^ 
taking his pay in beaver skins. With his rich pur- 
chase packed upon the backs of his horses, he 
returned to Taos. As there was nothing in Captain 
Lee's journey home to require the services of so im- 
portant a man as Mr. Carson, the latter decided to 
remain and unite himself with the trappers. 

The party was large, the beavers were scarce, and 
after the lapse of a month Mr. Carson decided that 
the prospect of a rich remuneration in the distribu- 
tion of their furs, was not encouraging. He there- 
fore arranged an expedition on his own account. 
His popularity as a man and his reputation as a 
trapper were such that every man in the party was 
ready to join him. He selected three of the best 
men, and crossing the main ridge of the Rock}' 
mountains, a distance of about one hundred and 
fifty miles, reached the Laramie river, a stream which 
flowed into the north fork of the Platte. 

The warm airs of spring were now beginning to 
breathe through these valleys. On the Laramie and 
its tributaries, Carson and his companions continued 
trapping through the whole summer. They were 
successful beyond their highest expectations. As 
they were to carry their furs for sale to Taos, which 
was on the west side of the mountains, they set out, 
laden with their goods, to cross the wide and rocky 



MARCHES AND ENCAMPMENTS. II7 

range, It was slow work threading these defiles, and 
it required a journey of several days. 

One afternoon having travelled for hours through 
a very vlreary and barren ravine, in which they had 
found no game, they halted two hours before sunset 
Carson, while his two companions were arranging 
the cainp, set off with his rifle in pursuit of supper 
He ha/i wandered about a mile from the camp, when 
he came upon the fresh tracks of some elk. Follow- 
ing their trail for a little distance, he soon discovered 
a small herd of the beautiful animals grazing upon a 
hill-si'ie, just on the edge of a grove. Moving with 
great rare, circuitously he entered upon the covert 
of the trees, crept up within rifle range, selected the 
largest and fattest of the herd, and at the report of 
the rifle, the animal stood for a moment shivering as 
if struck by paralysis, and then dropped dead. 

Car^^on was more than usually elated by his suc- 
cess. The party were all hungry. The region was 
extremely wild and barren, and there was great danger 
that they would have to go supperless to bed. 
Scarcely had the echo of his rifle shot died away, 
when Carson heard a terrific roar, directly behind 
him. Instantly turning his head, he saw two enor 
a\ous grizzly bears, coming down upon him at fuD 
speed, and at the distance of but a few rods. 

The grizzly bear is a larger animal and far more 



Il8 CliKISTOPHLR CARSON. 

ferocious, than the black bear. A bullet seems to 
prick rather than to maim him, and he will attack 
the hunter with the most desperate and persevering 
fierceness. Carson was helpless. He had discharged 
his rifle. The brutes were close upon him, and there 
were two of them. They could outrun him. Hia 
fate seemed sealed. 

For once, Kit Carson was frightened ; but not so 
much so as in the slightest degree to lose his self- 
possession. With a lightning glance, his eye swept 
the grove, in search of a tree into whose branches 
he might climb. He saw one at a little distance, and 
rushed towards it, pursued by both of the monsters, 
growling and gnashing their teeth. With wonderful 
agility, he sprang and caught a lower branch, and 
drew himself up into the tree, just in time to 
escape the blow which one of the bears struck at him 
with his terrific claws. But he had by no means 
obtained a place of safety. He had been compelled 
to drop his rifle in his flight. The grizzly bear can 
climb a tree, far more easily than can a man. He 
was too far distant from the camp to hope for aid 
from that quarter. Again it seemed that a dreadful 
death was inevitable. 

The bears hesitated for a moment, growling and 
showing their claws and their white teeth. Quick as 
thought Carson cut and trimmed from the tree a 



CONFLICTS WITH THE I:>:DIANS. 1 19 

rtcul cudgel, which would neither break nor bend. 
Soon, one of the bears commenced climbing the tree. 
The nose of the bear is very tender, and is the only 
point vulnerable to blows. 

Cudgel in hand, Carson took his stand upon one 
of the branches, and as soon as the bear's head came 
within reach, assailed him with such a storm of blows, 
that he dropped howling to the ground. The other 
then made the attempt to climb the tree, and en- 
countered the same fate. The blows which the 
sinewy arm of Carson had inflicted, evidently gave 
the animals terrible pain. They filled the forest 
with their bowlings, and endeavored to bury their 
snouts beneath the sod. For some time they lin- 
gered around the tree, looking wistfully at their prey, 
as if loth to leave it. But they did not venture to 
incur a repetition of the chastisement they had al- 
ready received. At length, with almost a ludicrous 
aspect of disconsolateness, they slowly retired into 
the forest. 

Carson waited until assured that they had en- 
tirely withdrav/n. He then descended the tree, re- 
loaded his rifle, and repairing to the spot where he 
had shot the elk, found that it had already been de 
voured by wolves. This adventure had occupied 
many dreadful hours. It was not until the morning 
dawned, that Carson found his way back to his anx- 



I20 CHRISTOi'ilEK CARSON. 

ious companions in the camp. He often said that 
never in his life, had he been exposed to greater pcrii 
titan on this occ^on 



CHAPTER IV. 

The Rendezvous. 



ftirm the Wilderness. — The Encampment. — Dispersion of the Trap 
pers. — Hostility of the Blackfeet, — Camp on the Big Snake 
River. — The Blackfeet Marauders. —The Pursuit. — The Calu- 
met. — The Battle. — Kit Carson wounded. — The Rencontre 
with Shunan. — The Defeat and Humiliation of Shunan.— Re- 
markable Modesty of Carson. — Testimony to Mr. Carson's 
Virtues. 



In the morning the party fortunately found, in 
one of their traps, a beaver, upon whose not very pal- 
atable flesh they breakfasted. The tail of a beaver 
when well cooked, is esteemed quite a delicacy. But 
one tail would not furnish sufficient food for three 
men. Lifteen days passed away before Kit Carson's 
little band was re-united with the larger company of 
Messrs. Fitzpatrick and Bridger. A rendezvous 
had been appointed at a spot on Green river, 
which afforded great attractions for an encamp 
ment 

In some unexplained way intelligence had been 
conveyed, through the wilderness, to the widely dis- 
persed trappers, that a Fair for trading, would be 



122 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

held at a very commodious and well-known spot on 
the above-mentioned stream. There was here a 
green, smooth, expanded meadow ; the pasturage 
was rich ; a clear mountain stream rippled through 
It. fringed by noble forest trees. The vicinity afford- 
ed an abundance of game. Here they reared their 
camps and built their roaring fires. Band after band 
of trappers and traders came in with loud huzzas. 
Within a few days between two and three hundred 
men were assembled there, with five or six hundred 
horses or mules. 

On one of the gorgeous days of the Indian sum- 
mer, the encampment presented a spectacle of beau- 
ty which even to these rude men was enchanting 
There was the distant, encircling outline of the Rocky 
mountains, many of the snow-capped peaks piercing 
the clouds. Scattered through the groves, which 
were free from underbrush, and wliose surface was 
carpeted with the tufted grass, were seen the 
huts of the mountaineers in every variety of the pic- 
turesque, and even of the grotesque. Some were 
formed of the well tanned robes of the buffalo ; som^ 
of boughs, twigs and bark; some of massive logs. 
Before all these huts, fires were burning at all times 
of the day, and food was being cooked and devoured 
by these ever-hungry men. Haunches of venison, 
prairie chickens, and trout from the stream, were 



TUK KKNDEZV^OUS. 123 

emitting their savory odors, as they were turned on 
their spits before the glowing embers 

The cattle, not even tethered, were grazing over 
the fertile plain. It was indeed a wild, weird-like, 
semi-barbaric Fair which was thus held in the very 
heart of the wilderness. Men of many nationalities 
were present, in every variety of grotesque costume ; 
and not a few Indians were there, with scarcely any 
costume at all. For nearly two months the Fair 
continued, with comings and goings, while hill and 
plain often resounded with revelry. 

At length the festival was dissolved, and the 
mountaineers, breaking up into smaller bands, sep- 
arated. The traders, with their horses loaded down 
with the furs, returned to the marts of civilization. 
The trappers again directed their steps to the soli- 
tudes of the remoter streams. 

Kit Carson joined a party of fifty men, to 
explore the highest tributaries of the Missouri river. 
The region was occupied by a numerous band of 
warlike Indians, called Blackfeet. Many of the 
warriors had obtained rifles. The itinerant trader 
could not refrain from furnishing the Indians with 
guns and ammunition, at the exorbitant prices which 
the savages were ready to pay. It shows the supe- 
riority of the white men, that fifty of them ventured 
to enter upon these plains and into these defiles, 



124 CIlklSTOf'HER CAKSUN. 

«vhere thousands of these well-armed warriors were 
jvatching for their destruction. 

The enterprise proved more bold than success- 
ful. The trappers found the Indians so vigilant and 
hostile, that it was necessary to protect then.selves 
by an intrenched camp. They had to adopt the 
most wearisome precautions to protect their ani- 
mals, never allowing them to graze beyond rifle dis- 
tance from the camp, unless under a strong guard. 
Matters grew daily more and more desperate. The 
Indians seemed to be gathering from great dis- 
tances, so as almost to surround the encampment. 
If any small party wandered a mile, to examine 
their traps, they were pretty sure to find the traps 
stolen, and to be fired upon from ambush. This 
state of affairs at length constrained them to quit 
the country. Like an army, exposed hourly to an 
attack from its foes, this heroic band of fifty men 
commenced its march in military array, watching 
with an eagle eye, knowing not but that at any 
moment hundreds of strongly mounted, well-armed 
savages might come rushing down upon them. 
They could indulge in no rest, till they got beyond 
the territory of the Blackfeet. 

A march of one or two hundred miles brought 
them to the banks of the Big Snake river. It was 
the month of November. In those northern lati. 



THE RENDEZVOUS. 12$ 

tudcs winter was setting in with much severity. 
The hill-tops were covered with snow ; the streams 
weie coated with ice; freezing blasts from the 
tiioimtains swept the bleak plains and the narrow 
defiles. It was necessary to go into winter quarters 
for a couple of months. But there was no discom 
fort in this. 

They selected a snug valley having a southern 
exposure, with a northern barrier of hills, and in the 
midst of a wide-spread grove which fringed a pure 
mountain stream. There were fifty men. Every 
man belonged to the working class. Every man was 
skilled in the trades of hunting, trapping, wigwam- 
building, cooking, and tailoring. A few hours* work 
reared their cosey huts. Fuel was cheap and abun- 
dant. The broadcloth for their clothing, was already 
woven on the backs of buffaloes, bears, deer and 
wolves. Their own nimble hands speedily formed 
them into garments impervious to wind and cold. 
They had laid in quite a store of game, which the 
cold weather preserved, and there was enough more 
within their reach. And fortunately for them ail, 
nature's law of prohibition, had effectually banished 
from the whole region all intoxicating dnnks. 
Where there is no whiskey there is rarely any quar 
rel. The pure mountain stream supplied tliem with 
their health-giving beverage. 



126 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

In a few days everything was cosey and comfort* 
able around them. During the months of Decern* 
ber and January, and until the middle of February, 
while v/intry blasts swept the hills, warmth, abun- 
dance and friendliness reigned in these sheltered, 
cheerful huts in a Rocky Mountain valley. There 
was one exciting event which disturbed the serenity 
of this winter encampment. ^ \ 

A band of Blackfeet Indians had cautiously 
dogged their footsteps, watching for an opportunity 
to stampede their horses. One very dark night, a 
number of these savages, supported by quite a 
numerous band of warriors, crept, like wolves, into 
the grazing ground of the horses, and succeeded in 
seizing eighteen of them, with which they made off 
rapidly towards their own country. The loss was 
not discovered until morning. After a few moments* 
deliberation it was decided that the valuable prop- 
erty must be recovered if possible, and the Indians 
chastised for such insolence. 

The unanimous voice called upon Kit Carson to 
lead the enterprise, and to select his men. He took 
eleven. In a few minutes they were all mounted ; a 
blanket their only baggage ; their rifles and ammu- 
nition their only stores. The ground was covered 
with snow. These veteran mountaineers knew well 



THE RENDEZVOUS. 12^ 

vhen and how to spare their horses for a continuous 
pursuit. 

The Indians being more numerous, having horses 
to lead, and with their steeds somewhat jaded with 
the long journey from their own country, could not 
travel as fast as their pursuers were able to do with 
their fresh animals. Still the savages had so much 
the start that it required fifty miles of sharp riding 
before they were overtaken. Fortunately for the 
pursuers, there had been recently a heavy fall of 
snow, so that the Indians were under the necessity 
of breaking a path. Their party was so large that 
the white men were furnished with a clearly marked, 
well-trodden trail. This toil through the snow, 
seems quite to have exhausted the strength of the 
horses of the Indians. They had been compelled to 
stop at noonday to refresh the animals. A spot had 
been selected on a hill-side, where the wind had 
blown away the snow, and where the horses found, 
for grazing, an abundance of succulent dried grass. 

Suddenly, and probably not a little to their con- 
sternation, the twelve trappers, rounding an eminence 
on the full trot, appeared before them. Carson 
halted his troop to reconnoitre ; for his foes were 
strongly posted and far out-numbered him. The 
savages, seeing the impossibility of immediately 
gathering and mounting their horses for flight, 



128 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

cunningly sent a flag of truce to solicit a parley. 
According to their custom, this flag consisted of one 
of their warriors advancing entirely unarmed, half- 
way to the opposing band. There he stopped, and 
folding his arms, waited for some one of the other 
party similarly weaponless, to come forward to con" 
fer with him. 

These savage thieves manifested a degree of 
intelligence in their cunning, which was hardly to 
have been expected of them. Through their inter- 
preter they assumed an air of perfect innocence, 
affecting great surprise that the horses belonged to 
the trappers, saying that they supposed that they 
had been robbing their hereditary foes, the Snake 
Indians. 

*' Nothing would induce us," said these barbarian 
diplomatists, " to commit any depredations upon our 
friends the white men." 

Such barefaced falsehood did not, for a moment, 
deceive Kit Carson. But it was needful for him to 
move with great caution. The number of the 
Indians, their position, their weapons, and the nature 
of the ground upon which they had met, rendered 
the result of a battle very doubtful. It would not 
do for Carson to manifest the slightest trepidation, 
or the least doubt of his ability to recover the stolem 
property and to chastise the marauders. 



THE RENDEZVOUS. I29 

After some pretty severe questioning, he suggested 
that since they were friends, they should all meet in 
council unarmed, and smoke the calumet of peace. 
There are generally some points of honor, which will 
bind the most abandoned men. Such was the smok- 
ing of the pipe of peace with the savages. A large 
fire was built. The two parties met around it. The 
/alumet was lighted, and passed around to each 
person present. Every one of the savages first puffed 
two wliiffs, and the white men then did the same. 
This was the solemn pledge that there should be no 
treachery. 

The council then commenced. Several of the 
Indian warriors made long and wordy speeches, with 
many protestations of friendship, but carefully avoid- 
ing any offer to restore the stolen animals. Mr. 
Carson listened patiently and made no response, 
until they had talked themselves out. He then 
simply replied, that he was very happy to learn that 
the Indians were friendly in their feelings toward the 
whites, and that the taking of the animals was a 
mistake The trappers would therefore overlook the 
affair, and peacefully return home with the restored 
horses. 

The Indian orators again began to chatter, 
branching off upon various points irrelevant to the 
question at issue. But Mr. Carson was in no mood 
6* 



130 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

to be drawn into a profitless palaver. To these 
eloquent speeches he made no response, but simply 
demanded the return of the horses. 

The Indians began to bluster, to talk loud and to 
grow insolent. But Mr. Carson never allowed him- 
self to lose his temper. A man in a passion seldom 
acts wisely. With calm persistence he said, '' I can 
listen to no overtures of peace, until our horses are 
restored." Still the Indians hesitated to provoke a 
battle in which some of their warriors would un- 
doubtedly fall. At length they sent out and brought 
in five of the poorest and most exhausted of the 
horses, saying that these were all that they could or 
would restore. 

The trappers accepted this as a declaration of 
war. In a body they retired to seize their rifles and 
to submit the question to the arbitrament of battle 
The savages also, with tumultuous bowlings, rushed 
to grasp their guns. The battle immediately com- 
menced, each party seeking the shelter of trees 
But for the dread in which the savages stood of thf 
powers of the white men, the advantages would 
have been in their favor ten to one. There wert 
unerring marksmen on botn siaes. No one could 
expose himself to the aim of either party without 
almost cc.'lain death. Kit Carson and one of his 
companions, by ^]x^. name of Markhead, were the 



THE RENDEZVOU? I3I 

foremost of the band of trappers, and they stood 
behind trees not far from each other. As Carson 
was watching the movements of a burly savage, who 
was endeavoring to get a shot at him, he saw another 
savage taking dehberate aim, from his concealment, 
at Markhead. 

With the rapidity of tho .ght Carson wheeled 
around, and at the same instant the bullet from his 
rifle pierced the heart of the savage and he fell dead. 
But there was another report, almost simultaneous 
with that from Carson's gun. A bullet whizzed through 
the air, touched the bark of the tree, behind which 
nearly the whole of Carson's body was concealed, 
and severed one of the sinews of his shoulder, shat- 
tering a portion of the bone. The blood gushed 
freely from the wound, and Carson fell, almost 
fainting, to the ground. With much difficulty his 
friends succeeded in bearing him off from the field, 
and in their rough kindness ministered to his wants. 

This loss of Carson's guidance and arm was irre- 
parable and fatal to the trappers. Still they continued 
the battle valiantly, holding the Indians at bay 
until night came. The night was bitter cold. The 
trappers could not light any fire, for .'t would surely 
guide the Indians to their retreat, and present them 
as fair targets to the bullets of the savages. 

Disappointed as these 'lold men were, they had 



132 CUKlSTOrilEK CAKSON 

the consolation of feeling that the wound of theh 
leader had not passed unavenged. They were sur€ 
that several of the Indians had been killed and many 
wounded. Though they did not doubt that the 
Indians would still fight desperately in defence, they 
did not fear that they would venture to pursue and 
to attack the trappers where they could choose their 
own ground. The trappers therefore, bearing as 
tenderly as possible their wounded leader, com- 
menced their return to the camp which they reached 
in safety. The savages, as it afterward appeared, 
fled as rapidly as possible in the other direction. 

The adventure added to the reputation of Kit 
Carson. All admitted that it was to save the life of 
a comrade that he had imperilled his own. And no 
one doubted that, but for his wound, his sagacity 
would have triumphed over the savages, and that he 
would have brought back all the horses. It was 
immediately decided, in general council, that another 
expedition of thirty men, under Captain Bridger, 
should pursue and chastise the thieves. This well 
armed party vigorously followed the Indian trail for 
several days^ But the savages had fled so rapidly, 
into distant and unknown parts, that they could not 
be overtaken The trappers returned disappointed 
to their camp. 

Spring was returning with its milder breezes and 



THE RENDEZVOUS. 133 

its warmer sun. The time for the spring hunt had 
commenced. There were no hostile Indians in the 
vicinity to disturb the trappers. Success, surpassing 
their most sanguine expectations, attended their 
efforts. Every morning the trappers came in from 
their various directions laden with furs. All were 
elated with their extraordinary prosperity. There 
is the spring hunting and the fall hunting. But 
there is a period in midsummer when the fur is value- 
less or cannot easily be taken. Game was then 
abundant, camping was a luxury. This was the time 
selected by the traders for their Fairs in the wilder- 
ness. Here, as we have mentioned, there was ex- 
change of the commodities needed in mountaineer- 
life,for the furs the trappers had taken during the 
autumn, winter and spring. There was at this time 
another rendezvous on Green river, where there was 
to be a renewal of the scenes of the past year. 

Kit Carson very speedily recovered from his 
wounds. His perfect health and temperate habits 
caused a cure, which seemed almost miraculous. As 
we have mentioned, these mountaineers were beyond 
the limits of the laws. There was no governmental 
protection whatever. Every man was compelled to 
be his own protector, fiHing the threefold office of 
judge, jury and executioner. 

The incident we are about to record would have 



«34 



CHRISTOPHER :ARS0N. 



been highly immoral in any well-ordeied community 
where law was recognized and could be enforced. 
And yet the same act occurring in the savage wil- 
derness may have merited the high commendation 
which it universally received. 

There was a fellow at the rendezvous, as the Fair 
among the mountains was called, known as captain 
Shunan. He was of unknown nationality, of very 
powerful frame, a bully and a braggadocio. Totally 
devoid of principle, and conscious of his muscular 
superiority, he was ever swaggering through the 
camp, dealing blows and provoking quarrels. He 
was universally detested and also feared. Every 
one in the camp desired to see him humbled. 

One day Shunan was particularly offensive 
That morning he had engaged in two fights, and had 
knocked down and flogged both of the men whom 
he had assailed. The traders had brought whiskey 
to the rendezvous, and probably whiskey was at the 
bottom of these troubles. Mr. Carson was quietly 
talking with some of his friends, in one part of the 
extended encampment, when the swaggering bully 
came along seeking to provoke another fight 
"These Arrericans," said he, " are all cowards ; they 
are all women. I am going into the bush to cut 
iome rods and I'll switch every one of them.*' 

Kit Carson immediately stepped forward in his 



THE RENDEZVOUS. 135 

calm, iiiimpassioned way, and with his soft and 
almost feminine voice said : 

" Captain Shunan, I am an American and ore of 
the smallest and weakest of them all. We have no 
disposition to quarrel with any one. But this con- 
duct can no longer be endured. If it is continued 
I shall be under the necessity of shooting you." 

There was almost a magic power in Kit Carson's 
calmness. He had a piercing^ eye, before whose 
glance many would quail. There was an indescriba- 
ble something in his soft words, which indicated that 
they came from a lion-like heart. The whole com- 
pany of trappers looked on in perfect silence, curious 
to see what would be the result of this bold move- 
ment. 

Shunan at first, the herculean bully, looked 
down upon his fragile opponent, with much of the 
contempt with which Goliath contemplated David. 
But apparently that glance showed him that he had 
encountered no ordinary foe. The reputation also 
of Kit Carson, as an able and fearless man extended 
through the whole encampment. There was a 
moment of perfect silence, Shunan not uttering one 
word in reply. He then turned upon his heel and 
walked rapidly across the plain towards his camp 
Carson and the mountaineers understood perfectly 
what this meant. He had gone to seize his rifle 



136 CHRISTOPHER CARSO;^. 

mount his horse, and shoot Kit Carson for defying 
him. 

Carson also turned his steps towards his own 
lodge. He took a loaded pistol, bestrode his horse, 
and saw Shunan riding down towards him rifle in 
hand. All this had occupied but a few minutes. 
Still it had arrested the attention of nearly the whole 
encampment. It was well known that when Carson 
and Shunan should meet on the hostile field, there 
was to be no vulgar rough and tussle fight, but a de- 
cisive conflict which would settle forever the question, 
whether the one or the other was to be master. The 
common law of the wilderness demanded only, that 
the parties should be left to settle the question in 
their own way. 

Kit Carson always rode a magnificent horse. He 
bestrode his steed as if he were a part of the animal^ 
and seemed as unembarrassed in his movements 
when in the saddle, as when on the floor of his tent. 
Rapidly he rode down upon Shunan until the heads 
of their horses nearly touched. Calmly he inquired, 
as if it were one of the most ordinary occurrences of 
life. 

"Am I the person you are looking for?" The 
treacherous bully answered. *' No,'' hoping thus, in 
some degree, to throw his opponent off his guard ; 
but at the same instant, he brought his rifle to hif 



THE RENDEZVOUS. 137 

shoulder with the muzzle not four feet from the 
heart of his intended victim. The life of Carson de- 
pended upon the fraction of a moment. We call him 
a lucky man ; we should rather say, he was a ^^ise 
man prepared for every emergency. His pistol was 
in his hand, cocked and primed. Quick as a flash, it 
was raised, not at the heart, but at the right arm of 
the insolent bully, whom he would bring to order. 

So simultaneous was the discharge of both weap- 
ons, that but one report was heard. But Carson's 
bullet entered upon its mission probably half a second 
before the ball of Shunan left the rifle. Shunan's 
wrist was shattered, as the bullet struck it ; and 
from the curvature of the arm the ball passed through 
a second time above the elbow. The sudden shock 
caused the rifle to tilt a little upwards and thus saved 
the hero's life. Carson's face was severely burned 
by the powder, and the ball glanced over the top of 
his head, just cutting through the skin. The bully's 
rifle dropped from his hand. He had received a ter- 
lible and an utterly disabhng wound. He had 
fought his last battle. No surgery could ever heal 
those fractured bones so as to put that arm again in 
fighting trim. The wretch had sought the life of 
Carson ; but Carson had sought only to subdue the 
tyrant. 

Shunan war thoroughly humbled and becarne as 



138 



CHRISTOniFR CARSON 



docile as a child. They took him to his tent, and 
treated him with all the rough nursing which trap- 
pers in the wilderness could bestow. The shattered 
bones of course could never recover their former 
strength. The weakest of those upon whom he 
formerly trampled, could now chastise him, should 
he assume any of his former insolent airs. The tyrant 
became docile as a child, and the whole camp re- 
garded Carson as its benefactor. 

It is worthy of special notice, that Mr. Carson 
was not at all elated by his victory. He never 
boasted of it. He never alluded to it, but with a 
saddened countenance. Whenever the subject was 
referred to, he always expressed his heartfelt regret, 
that it had been needful to resort to such severe 
measures to preserve the good order of the camp. 

In the Hfe of John Charles Fremont we find the 
following reference to Mr. Carson and to this ad- 
venture ; 

" Christopher Carson is a remarkably peaceable 
and quiet man, temperate in his habits, and strictly 
moral in his deportment." In a letter written from 
California in 1847, introducing Carson as the bearef 
of dispatches to the government. Col. Fremont says ; 

" * With me Carson and Truth, mean the same 
thing. He is always the same, — gallant and disr 
interested.* 



THE RENDEZVOUS 1 35 

** He is kind-hearted and averse to all quarrel- 
some and turbulent scenes, and has never been en- 
gaged in any mere personal broils or encounters, ex- 
cept on one single occasion, which he sometimes 
nnodestly describes to his friends. The narrative is 
fully confirmed by an eye-witness, of whose presence 
at the time he was not aware, and whose account he 
has probably never seen." 

Another who knew him well, writes, in corrobora- 
tive testimony : 

" The name of Christopher Carson has beer 
familarly known for nearly a quarter of a century. 
From its association with the names of great ex- 
plorers and military men, it is now spread through- 
out the civilized world. It has been generally con- 
ceded, that no small share of the benefits derived 
from these explorations, was due to the sagacity, 
skill, experience, advice and labor of Christopher 
Carson. His sober habits, strict honor, and great re- 
gard for truth, have endeared him to all who can 
call him friend ; and among such may be enumerated, 
names belonging to some of the most d'stinguished 
men whose deeds are recorded on the pages of Ameri- 
can history. 

** A few years ago, the writer of this first met 
Christopher Carson. It needed neither a second in- 
troduction, nor the assistance of a friendly pane* 



140 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

gyric, to enable him to discover, in Christopher Car 
son, those traits of manhood which are esteemed by 
the great and good to be the distinguishing orna- 
ments of character. This acquaintance ripened into 
a friendship of the purest stamp. Since then the 
writer has been the intimate friend and companion 
of Christopher Carson at his home, in the wild scenes 
of the chase, on the war trail, and upon the field of 
battle. 

"Christopher Carson physically, is small in stature, 
f)ut of compact framework. He has a large and 
finely developed head, a twinkling grey eye, and 
hair of a sandy color which he wears combed back. 
His education having been much neglected in his 
youth, he is deficient in theoretical learning. By 
natural abilities, however, he has greatly compensated 
for this defect. He speaks the French and Spanish 
languages fluently, besides being a perfect master of 
several Indian dialects. In Indian customs, their 
manners, habits, and the groundwork of their con 
duct, no man on the American Continent is battel 
skiUed' 



CHAPTER VII. 

War with the Blackfeet Indians. 

Qsaccessful Trapping. — Disastrous March to Fort Hall. — The FeaSi 
npon Horse-flesh. — The Hunting Expedition. — Its Rare Attrac- 
tions. — Dogged by the Blackfeet. — Safe Arrival at the Fort. — All 
their Animals Stolen by the Indians. — Expedition to the Black- 
feet Country. — Winter Quarters with the Friendly Indians. — Suf- 
ferings of the Animals. — Return to the Blackfeet Country. — Bat» 
tie with the Indians. — Incidents of the Battle. 

At the close of the summer months the rendez- 
vous was broken up, and all parties scattered ; the 
traders to their homes, within the precincts of civili- 
zation, and the trappers to the savage wilderness. 
Kit Carson joined a party bound to the upper waters 
of the Yellowstone river. This is a large stream with 
many tributaries, all of which take their rise amidst 
the eastern ravines of the Rocky mountains, pouring 
their united flood into the Missouri at Fort William. 
From the head waters of the river, to the point 
where it enters the Missouri, there is a distance of 
five or six hundred miles,of perhaps as wild a coun- 
try as can be found on this continent. 

Here, amidst these rugged defiles, the mountain 



142 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

eers set their traps. But they caught no beaver 
They then struck across the country, in a southeast 
direction, a distance of one or two nundred miles, tc 
the Big Horn river, another large tributary of the 
Yellowstone. Here again they were unsuccessful. 
They then journeyed westward, several hundred 
miles, to what are called the Three Forks of the 
Missouri river. Here again they set their traps in 
vain. Our disappointed but persistent trappers 
turned their footsteps south, and having travelled 
about two hundred miles, passing through one of 
the defiles of the Rocky mountains, they reached 
the head waters of the Big Snake river. This is a 
large stream, some six hundred miles in lengthy 
which pours its flood through the Columbia river intw 
the Pacific Ocean. 

Here Kit Carson met a Mr. McCoy, formerly a 
trader in the employment of the Hudson Bay Com- 
pany, but who was now out on a trapping excursion. 
With the consent of his companions, Kit Carson and 
five others withdiew from the larger party to join 
their fortunes with Mr. McCoy. A rumor had 
reached them that abundance of beaver were to be 
found at a distance of about one hundred and fifty 
miles, on Mary's river, since called the Humboldt. 
Here again they were doomed to disappointment. 
They followed down this stream, trapping in vain, 



WAR WITH THE BLACKFEET INDIANS. 1 4;) 

for a hundred miles, till its waters weie lost in what 
is called the Great Basin. 

These hardy adventurers now directed their stejis 
north, and after traversing a country, most of it wild 
and barren, about two hundred miles in extent, 
again reached the banks of the Snake river, midway 
between its source and its mouth. Here the com- 
pany divided. Mr. McCoy set out to trap down the 
stream, about one hundred and fifty miles, to Fort 
Walla Walla, which was near the junction of this 
river with the Columbia. 

Kit Carson and his band followed up the stream 
about the same distance, trapping most of the way. 
They, however, encountered continued disappoint- 
ments. The region they traversed was dreary and 
barren in the extreme. Often there was no game to 
be found. They were brought to the very verge of 
starvation. For some time they subsisted upon 
nutritious roots, which they hdd adopted the pre- 
caution to take with them. When these were ex- 
hausted they were reduced to the greatest straits, 
and could be only saved from starving by bleeding 
the mules and drinking the warm blood. This is a 
resource which could not be repeated. The ani- 
mals were also very poor, though enough of dry and 
scanty grass was found to keep them alive. 

The whole party became frightfully emaciated 



-fc* 



144 CURlSTOrilER CARSON. 

and they began to fear that they should be com* 
pelled to kill some of their mules. But the men 
themselves had become so weak it was with difficulty 
they could carry their rifles. The loss of any cf 
these useful beasts of burden would terribly enhance 
their peril. It might compel them to abandon, not 
only their traps, but also their rifles and their ammu- 
nition. In this dreadful emergency they came 
across a band of Indians who proved to be friendly. 
But the savages were also in an extremely destitute 
condition. 

Fortunately for both parties there was water at 
hand, and the withered herbage furnished the ani- 
mals with sustenance. The Indians had a young 
horse which was respectably fat. It required all of 
Kit Carson's diplomatic skill and knowledge of the 
Indian character to induce the Indians to part with 
the animal. It was not until after much maneuver- 
ing that they succeeded in obtaining him. He was 
immediately killed and eaten. To the hungry men, 
the horse flesh afforded as delicious a feast as epicure 
ever found in the most costly viands. 

At last Kit Carson and his men reached Fort 
Hall. Here they were, of course, kindly received by 
their countrymen, and all their wants were immcdi 
atcly and abundantly supplied. This fort was then 
mainly occupied as a trading post. As the men wer« 



WAR WITH TILE liLACKFEET INDIANS. I45 

neither sick nor wounded, but only half starved, they 
found themselves in a few days quite reciuited, and 
ready again for any adventure of enterprise and hard 
ihip. During their sojourn at the fort th n^en were 
not idle. They had their saddles, clothing and 
moccasins to repair. All their outfit was in the con- 
dition of a ship which has just weathered a storm 
with loss of anchor, sails, spars, and leaking badly. 

Havii g finished their repairs the party, in good con- 
dition, with their mules, set out on a hunting expedi- 
tion. They were told that in a fertile region, about 
fifty miles south of them, large herds of buffaloes 
had recently been seen. The weather was delight- 
ful. They were all in good spirits. It was trapper 
philosophy never to anticipate evil, — never to borrow 
any trouble. At a rapid pace they marched through 
a pleasant, luxuriant well watered region, entirely 
forgetful of past sufferings. 

On the evening of the second day, as they were 
emerging from a forest, there was opened before 
them a scene of remarkable beauty and grandeur. 
Far as the eye could extend towards the south, east 
and west an undulating prairie spread, with its wil- 
derness of flowers of every gorgeous hue, waving in 
the evening breeze like the gently heaving ocean. 
The sun was just setting in a cloudless sky, illumi- 
nating with extra :>rdinary brilliance the enchanting 
7 



146 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

scene Here and there in the distance of tlie bound- 
less plain, a few clumps of trees were scattered, as 
sf nature had arranged them with the special purpose 
cf decorating the Eden-like landscape. But that 
which cheered the hunters more than all the other 
aspects of sublimity and loveliness, were the immense 
herds, grazing on the apparently limitless prairie. 
Many of these herds numbered thousands and yet 
they appeared but like httle spots scattered over the 
vast expanse. The hunter had found his paradise , 
for there were other varieties of game in that luxuri- 
ant pasture, elk, deer, antelopes and there was room 
enough for them all. 

Our adventurers immediately selected a spot for 
their camp on the edge of the forest, near a bubbling 
spring. With great alacrity they reared their hut, 
and arranged all the apparatus for camping, with 
which they were abundantly supplied. Poles were 
cut from the forest, and planted in the open sunny 
prairie, with ropes of hide stretched upon them. 
Upon these ropes they were to suspend strips of 
buffalo meat to be cured by drying in the sun. Every 
thing was prepared over night for the commence- 
ment of operations in the early dawn. The best 
marksmen were selected for hunters. They were to 
go into the prairie, shoot the game and bring it in. 
The rest were detailed to cut up the meat and hang 



WAR WITH THE BLACKFEET INDIANS. I47 

It on the ropes to dry. After it was sufficiently dried, 
they were to take it down, and pack it closely in 
bundles for transportation. 

These were halcyon days, and abundant was the 
harvest of game which these bold reapers were gath' 
ering. During the days thus spent, in shooting th*; 
game and curing the meat, the hunters lived upon 
the fat of the land. The tongue and liver of the 
buffalo, and the peculiar fat, found along the spine 
are deemed great delicacies. 

In a few days a sufficient supply had been 
obtained to load all their pack animals. So heavily 
were they laden that their homeward journey was 
very slow. They were followed by a foe, of whom 
they had not the slightest conception. A band of 
Blackfeet Indians had discerned them from the far 
distance with their keen eyes. Keeping carefully 
concealed, they watched every movement of the 
unconscious hunters. When the party commenced 
its return they dogged their steps ; in the darkness 
creeping near their encampment at night, watching 
for an opportunity to stampede their animals and to 
rob them of their treasure. Though Kit Carson had 
no suspicion that any savages were on his trail, his 
constitutional caution baffled all their cunning. 

The fort was reached in safety, and the abundance 
which they brought was hailed with rejoicing. The 



14.8 CllRISTOrilEK Cz^KSUI^. 

party of hunters encamped just outside tl e pickets 
of the fort, where there was good pasturage for 
their animals, and where they could watch them. 
The inmates of the fort had fenced in a large field 
or barnyard which they called a corral. Into this 
yard at night they drove their animals, from the 
prairie, and placed a guard over them. At any time 
a band of savages might, like an apparition, come 
shrieking down upon the animals to bear them away 
in the terrors of a stampede, or might silently, in 
midnight gloom, steal towards them and lead them 
noiselessly away one by one. 

Two or three nights after the arrival of the 
hunters at the fort, all the horses and mules were 
driven, as usual, into the enclosure ; the bars were 
put up and a sentinel was placed on duty. It so 
happened that the sentinel, that night, was an inex- 
perienced hand ; a new comer, not familiar with the 
customs of the fort. He was stationed, at a slight 
distance from the enclosure, where he could watch 
all its approaches, and give the alarm should any 
band of Indians appear. He supposed that a large 
well mounted band alone would attempt the hazard* 
ous enterprise of capturing the animals. 

The latter part of the night, just before the dawn 
of the morning, he saw two men advance, without 
any disguise, deliberately let down the bars and drive 



WAR WITH THE BLACKFEET INDIANS. I49 

out the horses and mules. He supposed them to be 
two of the inmates of the fort or some of his own 
companions, who were authorized to take out the 
herd to graze upon the prairie. Concluding there- 
fore that he was relieved from duty, he returned to 
his camp and was soon fast asleep. 

In the morning the horses and mules had all dis- 
appeared. They were nowhere to be seen. There 
was hurrying to and fro, for a solution of the mystery, 
when a short investigation revealed the true state of 
affairs. The cunning Indians had come in a strong 
party, well mounted, and were concealed at a short 
distance. Two of their number had gone forward 
and driven out the animals. The horses and mules 
are always ready to rush along with any herd leading 
them. 

Placing the stolen animals between the van and 
the rear guards of their steeds, the Indians moved 
cautiously until they had gained some little distance 
from the fort. Then giving the rein to their power- 
ful charges, with the fleetness of the wind they fled> 
over the hills and through the valleys, to their wild 
and distant fastnesses. 

Not a single animal was left for the garrison of 
the trappers upon which to give chase. The Indians, 
who have but Httle sense of right and wrong, might 
well cKult in their achievement. Without 'iheloss oi 



f5C CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

a single man, and even without receiving a wound, 
they had taken from beneath the very walls of the 
fort, its whole herd, leaving the garrison powerless to 
pursue. The loss was very severe to the trappers 
Without their horses and mules, they could do 
nothing. It only remained for them to wait for the 
return of Mr. McCoy and his party, who had prom- 
ised after visiting Fort Walla Walla, to rendezvous 
at Fort Hall. 

The Blackfeet Indians were at that time, forty 
years ago, the terror of the whole region. It is said 
that the warlike tribe numbered thirty thousand 
souls. Ofcourse there could not have been any very 
accurate estimate of the population, Not long after 
this the small-pox prevailed, with awful fatality. 
One half of the tribe perished. The dead were left 
unburied, as the savages endeavored to flee in all 
directions from the fearful pestilence. 

A month passed slowly away before Mr. McCoy 
with his party reached the fort. Very opportunely 
he brought a fresh supply of animals ; having pur- 
chased a number at Fort Walla Walla. The united 
band returned to the Green river. Here Mr. Carson 
joined a party of one hundred trappers who, in their 
strength, were t*^ plunge into the very heart of the 
Blackfeet country, on the Yellowstone river. 

Arriving at the region where they were to set 



WAR WITH T!IE BI.ACKFP:ET INDIAiNS. I5I 

their traps, they divided into two companies of fifty 
men each. It was necessary to be always armed 
and on the alert, ready to repel any sudden attack. 
The duty of one company was to explore the streams 
:i» s(Mrch of beavers and game for food. The other 
party guarded the camp, dressed, rudely tanned, and 
packed the skins, and cooked the food. The trappers 
were so strong, that they not only went where they 
pleased, but they were eager to come in contact with 
the savages, that they might pay off old scores. 
They were, however, not molested. Not an Indian 
crossed their path. They subsequently learned, as a 
solution of the mystery, that at that time the small- 
pox was making dreadful ravages. Thousands were 
dying and it was feared the whole tribe would perish. 
The Indians in their terror, had secluded themselves 
in the remotest solitudes. 

Winter was now approaching, with its freezing 
gales, its drifting snows, its icy streams. It was ne- 
cessary to find winter quarters for two or three 
months. The region, drained by the Yellowstone 
and its tributaries, extends over thousands of square 
miles. In one portion of the territory there was a 
mountainous region inhabitCvl by the Crow Indians. 
As they were the deadly foe of the Blackfeet tribe, 
they were disposed to cultivate friendly relations with 
the whites, and to enter into an alliance with themu 



15 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

Quite a large band of the Crow Indians joined 
the trappers, and conducted them to one of their 
most sheltered valleys. Here they reared their huts 
■ind lodges. The mountain ridges broke the force 
of the cold north n'ind They had water and fuel in 
xbundance. Game was not scarce and they had also 
an ample supply of dried meat in store. But as the 
season advanced, the cold became increasingly se- 
vere, until at last it was more intense than the trap- 
pers had ever before experienced. Still the trappers, 
with their rousing fires and abundant clothing, found 
no difficulty in keeping warm. 

But the animals suffered terribly. Snow cover- 
ed the valleys to such a depth, that they could ob- 
tain no food by grazing. It w^as with the utmost 
difficulty they kept the animals alive. They cut 
down cotton-wood trees and thawed the bark and 
small branches by their fires. This bark was then 
torn into shreds, sufficiently small for the animal to 
chew. The rough outside bark was thrown aside, 
and the tender inner bark, which comes next the 
body of the tree, was carefully peeled off for food. 
There is sufficient nutrition in this barely to keep the 
animals alive for a time, but they can by no means 
thrive under it 

Quite a company of Indians reared their lodges 
in the same valley with the trappers. In the pleas 



WAR WITH THE BLACK! EET INDIANS. 1$^ 

ant days they vied with each other, in various ath- 
letic games, and particularly in their skill in hunting. 
Both parties were very happy in this truly paternal 
i.itercourse. There were no quarrels, for there was 
no whiskey there. One barrel of intoxicating drink 
would have changed kindly greetings into hateful 
brawls, and would have crimsoned many knives. In- 
dependently of the anxiety, the trappers felt for their 
suffering animals, the six or eight weeks of wintry 
cold passed away very pleasantly. The returning sun 
of spring poured its warmth into the sheltered val- 
ley, melting the snows and releasing the streams 
With wonderful rapidity the swelling bud gave place 
to leaves and blossoms. The green grass sprang up 
on the mounds, the animals rejoiced and began even 
to prance in their new-found vigor. The winter 
had gone and the time for the singing of birds had 
come. 

The trappers were in need of certain supplies, 
before they could advantageously set out on theif 
spring hunting tour. They therefore sent two of 
their party to obtain these suppHes at Fort Laramie, 
which was one or two hundred miles south of them, 
on the Platte river. They did not return. They 
were never heard from. It is probable that they 
fell into the hands of hostile Indians, who killed 
them and took possession of all their effects. Thi» 



154 CHRISTUI'HER CAKSC N. 

was another of those innumerable tragedies, ever oc- 
curring in this wicked world, which are only record* 
ed in God's book of remembrance. 

The trappers, after waiting for their companions 
for some time, were compelled to enter upon their 
spring hunt without them. They continued for 
some time setting their traps on the Yellowstone 
river, and then struck over to what is called the 
Twenty five yard river. After spending a few weeks 
there, they pushed on to the upper waters of the 
Missouri, where those waters flow through the most 
rugged ravines of the Rocky mountains. Here 
again they were in the vicinity of their Blackfeet 
foes. And they learned, through some wanderer in 
the wilderness, that the main village of that tribe 
was at the distance of but a. few miles from them. 

In the previous collisions between the Blackfeet 
and the trappers, the Indians had gained decidedly 
the advantage. They had at one time driven the 
trappers entirely out of their country, having stolen 
their traps, and effectually prevented them from 
taking furs. In the conflict, in which Kit Carson 
was wounded, the Indians had retired, though with 
loss, still victorious, carrying with them all their booty 
of stolen horses, Most humiliating of all, they had, 
without firing a shot, captured all the animals of 
the garrison and the trappers at Fort Hall. And it 



WAR WITH THE BLaCKFEET INDIANS. 1 55 

W2iS most probable that they had robbed and muf' 
dered the two men who had been sent to fort Lar 
iimie. 

The trappers were all burning to avenge these 
wrongs. The thievish Blackfeet had made these as- 
saults upon them entirely unprovoked. The savages 
were greatly elated with their victories, and it was 
deemed essential that they should be so thoroughly 
chastised, that they would no longer molest those 
who were hunting and trapping within those wild 
solitudes. The whole party of trappers struck the 
trail which led to the Indian encampment, and cau- 
tiously followed it, until they were within ten or fif- 
teen miles of their foes. 

The company, numbering a hundred men, with 
one or two hundred horses and mules, presented a very 
imposing cavalcade. A council of war was held, and 
Kit Carson, with five picked men was sent forward to 
reconnoitre the position of the village, and to decide 
upon the best points of attack. The rest of the com- 
pany retired to some Uttle distance from the trail, 
where they concealed themselves, obliterating, as far 
as possible, their tracks. It was deemed necessary to 
proceed with the utmost caution. The Blackfeet 
composed one of the most numerous and ferocious of 
all the Indian tribes. Their warriors were numbered 
by thousands. It was certain that they would fight 



150 CliRJS'IOrilEK LARSON. 

and that a high degree of inteUigence would guide 
them in the battle. 

After the lapse of a few hours, Kit Carson returned 
from his perilous adventure. He had attained an 
eminence from which he could look down upon thf 
valleys of the foe, which was in one part of an ex 
tended plain in the midst of hills. He reported that 
there was some great agitation in the camp. There 
were runnings to and fro, driving in the animals from 
their pasturage, saddling and packing them, and 
sundry other preparations indicative of a general 
alarm. It might be that their braves were entering 
on the war-path. It might be that they were prepar- 
ing for flight. It was not improbable that, through 
their scouts, they had gained intimation of the ap- 
proach of the trappers. A council of war was held. 
Promptly it was decided to send out forty-three men, 
under the leadership of Kit Carson to give the Black- 
feet battle. The remaining men, fifty-five in number, 
were left, under Mr. Fontenelle, to discharge the re- 
sponsible duty of guarding the animals and the 
equipage. They were also to move slowly on, as a 
reserve force, who could rush to the aid of the ad- 
vanced force, or upon which those men could faD 
back in case of disaster. 

They soon reached the village. It was pretty 
evident that they were expected. But the savages 



WAR WITH THE BLACKFEET INDIANS. 1 5; 

had only bows and arrows. This gave the assailants 
an immense advantage. They had both rifles and 
pistols. Taking a circuitous route, they approached 
the village from an unexpected quarter. They were 
scarcely seen before a discharge of their guns struck 
down ten of the bravest warriors. But at that time 
it was an encampment rather than a village, occupied 
mainly by fighting men, who greatly outnumbered 
their assailants. The Indians fought heroically. 
Each man instantly sprang behind som.e tree where, 
protected, he could watch his opportunity and keep 
his foe at a distance. When a rifle was once dis- 
charged, it took some time to reload ; but the In- 
dians could throw a dozen arrows in a minute, with 
sinewy arms, with sure aim and with deadly power. 
The battle was mainly in the forest, neither party 
being willing to encountre the exposure of the open 
plain. The Indians, behind the trees, watched their 
opportunity. As there were several Indians to one 
white man, and the trappers were necessarily dis- 
persed, seeking the protection of the trees, the In- 
dians, as soon as a rifle was discharged, would dodge 
from tree to tree, ever drawing nearer to their assail- 
ants. For three hours this battle continued. The 
ammunition of the trappers was nearly exhausted, 
and they remitted the energy of their fire, awaiting 
the arrival of their companions. The Indians com- 



158 CHKISTOFIIER CARSON. 

prehended the state of thing's and sagaciously re 
solved to make a simultaneous charge, before the 
trappers should have opportunity to replenish their 
powder-horns and bullet-pouches. 

There was a distance of many rods between the 
two contending parties. The ground was mainly 
level, and there was no underbrush to intercept the 
view. The trappers saw and understood the move- 
ment for the charge. Every man was prepared, with 
his loaded rifle and revolver. On came the Indians, 
dodging, as they could, from tree to tree, but with 
an impetuosity of onset which excited the admiration 
of their opponents. The forest resounded with theii 
shrill war-whoop. Carson requested every man to 
withhold his fire until sure of his aim. " Let not a 
single shot,'' said he, " be lost." It was a fearful mo- 
ment, for upon that moment depended the life of 
every man in the party. Should the outnumbering 
Indians succeed in passing the narrow intervening 
space, the trappers would inevitably be overpowered 
and from the spear-heads of the savages, forty- 
tliree scalps would be waved as the banners of their 
victory. 

There was no simultaneous discharge but a rat- 
tling fire, occupying perhaps sixty seconds. Forty- 
three Indian warriors were struck by the bullets 
Eleven fell instantly dead ; the others were more o» 



WAR WITH THE BLACKFEET INDIANS. 1 59 

Iw^s crippled by their wounds. Still the brave 
Irdians rushed on, when suddenly there was opened 
upon them another deadly fire from the revolvers. 
This was a reinforcement of the strength of theif 
foes which the savages had not anticipated. They 
hesitated, staggered as if smitten by a heavy blow, 
and then slowly and sullenly retreated, until they 
were far beyond pistol range. Some of the moun- 
taineers were on horseback to carry swift aid to any 
imperilled comrade. Kit Carson was also mounted 
and with his eagle eye was watching every act of his 
little army. 

One of his aids, a mountaineer by the name of 
Cotton, was thrown from his horse, which slipped 
upon some smooth stones, and fell upon his rider, 
fastening him helpless to the ground. Six Indians 
near by rushed, with exultant yells and gleaming 
tomahawks, for his scalp. Kit Carson, calling on two 
or three to follow him, sprang from his horse and with 
the speed of an antelope was by the side of his fallen 
comrade. The crack of his rifle was instantly heard ; 
the foremost of the savages gave one convulsive 
bound, uttered a death cry and fell weltering in his 
blood. The rest immediately fled, but before they 
could reach a place of safety three more were struck 
down by the balls of those who had followed Car 
•on. Two only of the six savages escaped. 



c 



CHAPTER VIII 
Encampments and Battles, 

fhe Renewal of the Battle.— Peculiarities of the Fight. — The Rout 
— Encampment in the Indian Village. — Number of Trappcn 
among the Mountains. — The New Rendezvous. — Picturesque 
Scene of the Encampment. — The Missionary and the Nobleman. 
— Brown's Hole. — The Navajoes. — Kit Carson Purveyor at the 
Fort. — Trapping at the Black Hills. — Again upon the Yellow- 
stone. — Pleasant Winter Quarters. — Signs of the Indians. — Severe 
Conflict. — Reappearance of the Indians. — Their utter Discom- 
fiture. 

There was now a brief lull in the battle. The 
Indians had not left the fieki and by no means 
acknowledged a defeat. With very considerable 
military skill they selected a new position for the 
renewal of the fight, on broken ground among a 
chaos of rocks, about one hundred and fifty yards 
from the line of their opponents. They were evi- 
dently aware of the strong reserve approaching to 
join the trappers. With this reserve it was necessary 
that the trappers should make the attack, for they 
could not venture to rrove on their way leaving so 
powerful a hostile army behind them. 

The Indians manifested very considerable poweii 



ENCAMPMENTS AND BATTLES. l6l 

of reasoning, and no little strategic skill. They 
took the defensive, and chose a position from which 
it would be almost impossible to dislodge them 
The trappers awaited the arrival of their comrades^ 
and obtained a fresh supply of ammunition. The 
whole united band prepared for a renewal of the 
battle. Thus far not one of the trappers had been 
wounded, excepting Cotton, who was severely 
bruised by the fall of his horse. 

About an half hour elapsed while these move- 
ments were taking place with each party. The trap- 
pers all dismounted and then, in a long line, with 
cheers advanced in Indian fashion, from tree to tree 
from rock to rock, every moment drawing nearer to 
their determined foes. The great battle, the Water- 
loo conflict, now commenced. Small as were the 
numbers engaged, limited as was the field of action, 
there was perhaps never a battle in which more 
personal courage was displayed, or in which more 
skill and endurance was called into requisition. 
Not unfrequently a trapper would occupy one side 
of a large boulder and an Indian warrior the other, 
each watching for the life of his adversary, while 
every fibre of mental and muscular power were 
roused to activity. Neither could leave his covert 
without certain death, and one or the other must 
inevitably fall. 



l62 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

For an hour or two this dreadful conflict contin- 
ued. Gradually the superiority of the white man, 
and the vast advantage which the rifle gave, begae 
to be manifest. The Indians were slowly driver 
back, from tree to rock, from rock to tree. Many 
of their warriors had fallen in death. The ground 
was crimsoned with their blood. The disheartened 
Indians began to waver, then to retreat ; and then 
as the trappers made a simultaneous charge, and the 
rifle bullets whistled around them, to run in com- 
plete rout, scattering in all directions. It was in 
vain to attempt any pursuit. The women and chil- 
dren of the Blackfeet village were on an eminence, 
about a mile from their homes, awaiting the issue 
of the conflict. They also instantly disappeared, 
seeking refuge no one knew where. 

In this battle a large number of the Indians were 
killed or wounded, we know not how many. But 
three of the trappers were killed, though many 
others received wounds more or less severe. The 
Indian village was located on very fine camping- 
ground They left nothing behind them. An 
Indian woman needs no Saratoga trunk for he! 
wardrobe. Their comfortable wigwams were left 
standing. Here Fontenelle allowed his party to 
rest for several days. The dead were to be buried, 
the wourded to be nursed, damages to be repaired 



ENCAMPMENTS AND BATTLES. 1 63 

and a new supply of provisions to be obtained. 
Free from all fear of molestation, the trappers ex- 
plored the region for miles around, and were very 
successful in taking beavers. 

It is estimated that the various parties of trap- 
pers, then wandering among the mountains, num- 
bered at least six hundred men. While our trap- 
pers were thus encamped, elated with their victory 
over the Indians, and still more exultant over their 
dail^ success in trapping and hunting, one day an 
express rode into the camp, and informed them 
that the rendezvous was to be held, that year, upon 
the Mud river, a small stream flowing circuitously 
from the south into Green river. The party, hav- 
ing a large stock of beaver on hand, set out to cross 
the main ridge of the Rocky mountains, to dispose 
of their furs at the rendezvous. It required a jour- 
ney of eight days. As the trapping party, nearly a 
hundred in number, all mounted on gayly capar- 
isoned steeds, and leading one or two hundred pack 
horses, entered the valley over the distant emi- 
nences, there were two scenes presented to the eye, 
each peculiar in many aspects of sublimity and 
beauty. 

It was midsummer. The smooth meadow upon 
which the encampment was held was rich, ver- 
dant and blooming, a beautiful stream flowing 



164 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

along its western border. A fine giove fringed the 
stream as far as the eye could reach up and down. 
Not a tree, stump, or stone was to be seen upon 
the smooth, lawn-like expanse. Its edge, near the 
grove, was lined with a great variety of lodges, con- 
structed of skins or bark, or of forest boughs 
Horses and mules in great numbers were feeding on 
the rich herbage, while groups of trappers, Cana- 
diaiis, Frenchmen, Americans and Indians, were scat- 
tered around, some cooking at their fires, some en- 
gaged in eager traffic, and some amusing themselves 
in athletic sports. It was a peaceful scene, where, 
so far as the eye could discern, man's fraternity was 
combined with nature's loveliness to make this a 
happy world. Such was the spectacle presented to 
the trappers as they descended into the valley. 

On the other hand, the trappers themselves con- 
tributed a very important addition to the pictur- 
esqueness of the view. Half a mile from the en- 
campment, in the northeast, the land rose in a gen- 
tle, gradual swell, smooth, verdant and treeless, per- 
haps to the height of a hundred and fifty feet. Down 
this declivity they were descending, with their horses 
and their pack mules, in a long line of single file. 
They were way-worn pilgrims, and the grotesqueness 
of their attire, and their unshaven, uncut, and almost 
u*icombed locks, added to their weird-like aspect. 



ENCAMPMENTS AND BATTLES. 165 

Here the party met with two gentlemen, such as 
were rarely, perhaps never before, seen on sach an 
occasion. One was a Christian missionar}% Father 
De Smidt, who, in obedience to the Saviour's com- 
mission, ** Go ye into all the world and preach my 
Gospel to every creature," had abandoned the com- 
forts of civilization, to cast in his lot with the sav- 
ages, that he might teach them that religion of the 
Bible which would redeem the world by leading all 
men to repentance, to faith in an atoning Saviour, 
and to endeavor ''to do justly, to love mercy, and 
to walk humbly with God." 

The other stranger was an English nobleman, a 
gentleman of high character, of refinement and cul- 
ture. In his ancestral hom^e he had heard of the 
sublimities of the wilderness ; the wide-spread prai- 
ries ; the gloomy forests ; the solitary lakes. He 
had heard of savage men, numbering tens of thou- 
sands in their tribes, almost as wild, as devoid of 
human traits as were the buffaloes whom they pur- 
sued with whoop and halloo over the plains. Curi- 
osity, a very rational and praiseworthy curiosity, 
had lured him into these remote realms, that he 
might behold the wondrous works of God, and that 
te might study the condition of his brother man 
without the Gospel. 

Kit Carson was, b} a natural instinct, drawn into 



l^ CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

association with this refined English gentleinaiu 
They could each appreciate the other. They soon 
became acquainted, and a warm friendship sprarg 
up between them. Mr. Carson subsequently wrote, 
in reference to Sir William Stuart : 

" For the p;oodness of his heart and numerous 
rare qualities of his mind, he will always be remem- 
bered by those of the mountaineers who had the 
honor of his acquaintance." 

The terms of the commendation show the virtues 
which Mr. Carson could appreciate, and which he 
was accustomed to practice. Of the missionary, 
Rev. Mr. De Smidt, it has been very truly written : 

" Perhaps there never was a person, in the wilds 
of America, who became so universally beloved, both 
by the white and red man. While in the mountains 
he acted with untiring zeal for the good of all with 
whom he came into contact. Wherever duty called 
him, there he was sure to be found, no matter what 
the obstacles or dangers spread upon his path. He 
worked during a long series of years in these danger- 
ous localities, and when he at length returned to 
civilization he left an indelible name behind him." 

The Rendezvous continued for twenty days. It 
was a constant festival, like the Olympic games of 
the Greeks, or the renowned Tournaments of more 
modern days, with the exception that business wai 



ENCAMPMENTS ^ND BATTLES. 167 

intimately blended with pleasures. It at length 
broke up into small parties. Kit Carson, with seven 
companions, followed down the Green river, to 
Brown's Hole , a narrow but sunny and fertile val- 
ley about sixteen miles long. Here he found k 
part) of traders, who were on an excursion to a nu- 
merous and quite wealthy band of Indians, called 
the Navajoes. They seemed to have attained a de- 
gree of civilization considerably above that of any of 
the other tribes. They had fixed abodes ; had im- 
mense herds of sheep, horses and mules. They had 
also attained, the art by a slow and tedious process, 
of weaving admirable woolen blankets; thick, warm 
and strong. These blankets were quite renowned 
throughout all that region, and brought a high price. 
Kit Carson joined the traders in their expedition to 
the country of the Navajoes. 

Here they purchased many of these blankets, and 
a large drove of strong, fat mules. With these they 
crossed the mountains, to a distance of three or 
four hundred miles, to a fort on the south fork of the 
Platte river. At this place they disposed of their 
blankets and cattle to great advantage, and Mr. Car- 
ton promptly returned to the companions he had left 
at Brown's Hole The traders undoubtedly receiv- 
ed in payment the only currency of the coimtry, 
beaver skins. These they probably took with them 



i68 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

to St. I ouis for ultimate sale. We know not ho^ 
Mr. Carson invested his earnings. It is very certain 
that he did not squander them in riotous living. 
Subsequetit events indicate that they were sent 
through the hands of the traders, Messrs. Thompson 
and Sinclair, to the States, there to be deposited to 
his credit. 

The autumnal months had now passed away, and 
the blasts of approaching winter warned the hunters 
that they must seek a refuge from its storms. 

Mr. Carson had produced so favorable an impres- 
sion upon the men at the fort on the Platte river, 
that they sent him a very urgent invitation to re- 
turn, and take the very responsible position of stew- 
ard or purveyor for the garrison during the winter. 
They offered him such ample emolument that he ac- 
cepted their proposition, though many other parties 
were eager to obtain his services. I cannot help re- 
marking, in this connection, in special reference to 
any of my young readers, that this is the true secret 
of success in life. In whatever position you are, in 
whatever business you are engaged, be as faithful 
and perfect as possible. Promotion and prosperity 
are then almost sure. 

The task which now devolved upon Mr. Carson 
was, with his rifle and such aid as he might need, to 
supply all the animal food which twenty men might 



ENCAMPMENTS AND BATTLES. l6g 

require. He performed this duty, not only to the 
satisfaction of all, but such was his energy, his skill, 
his spirit of self-sacrifice, his entire devotion to hi* 
work, and the wonderful success which attended his 
exertions, that he secured universal affection and 
esteem. 

With the returning sun of spring, Mr. Carson, 
having well performed his task, joined Mr. Bridger 
and four other trappers, to go to what were called 
the Black Hills. This was a Hmited mountainous 
range, far away in the north, extending a distance of 
about a hundred miles between the Laramie and 
Sweetwater rivers. These streams were tributaries 
of the north fork of the Platte. This region had per- 
haps never before been visited by either trapper or 
hunter. They found beavers in plenty, and their 
success was excellent. 

With well laden mules they again crossed the 
Rocky mountains to reunite themselves with the 
main camp of the trappers on Green river. They 
trapped on their way and continued success attend- 
ed them. Thus enriched, they accompanied the 
main party to a tributary of the Wind river, where 
the annual Rendezvous was that year to be held. 
Here were renewed the usual scenes of the trapper's 
great Fair which we have already described. 

As the Rendezvous broke up, Mr. Carson joined 
8 



I/O CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

a large party, and recrossed the mountains to tne 
Yellowstone, where they had already had so many 
bloody encounters with the Blackfeet Indians. 
They trapped successfully until the inclement weath' 
cr forced them into winter quarters. Nothing occur- 
red of any moment, until mid-winter. Daily parties 
went out for game and they always returned with 
an ample supply. In their snug lodges, gathered 
around their blazing fires, telling stories of past ad- 
ventures, preparing clothing for the summer, feast- 
ing upon fat turkeys,and the choicest cuts of buffalo- 
meat and venison, a few weeks passed very pleas- 
antly away. Being free from that most terrible of 
all earthly curses, intoxicating drinks, there was no 
discord, and this little community of mountaineers, 
in the solitudes of a Rocky mountain valley, were 
perhaps as happy as any other equal community 
amidst the highest conveniences of civilization. 

One winter's day a little band of hunters, in their 
pursuit of game, were lured to a greater distance 
than usual from the camp. Their attention was 
arrested by certain signs which indicated that a band 
of Indians had passed by, and had endeavored care- 
fully to conceal their trail. A close scrutiny so con' 
firmed this opinion that they hastily returned to the 
camp with the declaration that savages were certainly 
prowling around watching for an opportunity to at- 



ENCAMPMENTS AND BATTLES. I^l 

tack them They knew full well that the wary In- 
dians would never think of approaching their camp 
unless in overpowering numbers. It was deemed 
expedient not to allow the foe any time to mature 
their plans. A party of forty men was immediately 
fitted out, under the command of Kit Carson, to go 
to the hidden trail and follow it till the haunts of the 
Indians were discovered. The reputation of Mr. 
Carson wa? such that unanimously he was invested 
with dictatorial powers. Everything was left to the 
decision of his own good judgment. 

With silent, moccasined tread the adventurers 
threaded their way over the broken country, and 
through a dense forest, when suddenly they came 
upon a band of Indians, manifestly on the war-path ; 
painted, plumed and armed in the highest style of 
their barbaric art. The savages, on catching sight 
of the trappers, turned and fled with the utmost 
speed, without scattering. The trappers pursued 
with equal swiftness of foot. They had no doubt 
that there was a stronger band at some little distance, 
which the Indians were retreating to join. 

The supposition proved correct A large number 
of warriors had assembled, in a very good military 
position, and it was at once evident that they intended 
to give battle. Though the majority of them had 
only arrows and lancets, many were armed with rifles 



«72 CHRISTOniER CARS >N. 

They were on a hill-side which was quite steep, rugged 
with boulders, and with a heavy growth of gloomy 
firs and pines. The field was admirably adapted for 
the Indian mode of warfare, and the desperate war- 
fiors of the Blackfeet were foes not to be despised. 

Kit Carson possessed the qualities essential to a 
military leader. He was cautious as he was bold. 
He was very careful never unnecessarily to expose 
the lives of his men. Very deliberately he recon- 
Nnoitred the position, and prepared for the battle. 
He had no doubt that, with what would be called a 
gallant rush, he might drive the Indians from him and 
gain a brilliant victory. But it would be attended 
with loss. By a slower process he was sure of the 
result, while his men would be protected from death 
and wounds. All of his men were armed with the 
best of rifles. They had a good supply of ammuni- 
tion. They could afford to load with heavy charges 
which would throw the balls to the greatest possible 
distance. It was very difficult for the Indians to 
obtain ammunition. They therefore found it neces- 
sary to husband the httle they had with great care. 
Consequently the Indian's rifle, but lightly charged, 
would seldom throw a bullet more than two-thirds 
the distance thrown by the rifle of the trapper. 

Mr. Carson gave every man his position. They 
were all veterans in every exigence of Indian war- 



ENCAMPMENTS AND BATTLES. 1 73 

fare. Each man was capable of independent action. 
They all knew the folly of throwing away a single 
shot. There was no random firing. Each man was 
trained to seek sure protection behind rock, stump 
or tree and then to keep a vigilant watch, not only 
to guard himself but his immediate comrades from 
the missiles of the foe. Slowly the line of trappers 
was to advance upon the enemy, from point to point 
of protection, making sure that every bullet should 
kill or wound. The tactics of the battle secured the 
victory. The Indians fought with their accustomed 
bravery. But one after another their warriors fell 
killed or disabled. 

As the gloom of a winter's night settled down 
over this awful scene of war, the savages retired in 
good order, across the ice of an arm of the Yellow- 
stone, to an island in the middle of the river. They 
had adopted the precaution, unusual with them, of 
erecting here quite a strong fortress, to which they 
could retreat in case of disaster. Thus situated, both 
parties, wearied with the long conflict of the day, 
sought such repose as night could give to men sleep* 
ing upon their arms. 

The trappers knew not what scenes were trans* 
piring in the Indian camp on the island. As foi 
themselves, they could only venture, with the utmost 
caution, to kindle small fires to cook their supper 



174 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

They then carefully extinguished the embers, les! 
the flames should guide several hundred warriors in 
a naidnight attack. 

Mr. Carson was not aware of the strength of thf 
Indian fortifications on the island. Not wishing to 
give them any time to strengthen their works, with 
the earliest dawn he put his men in motion. They 
crossed the ice to the island, where they found only 
silence and desolation. Not an Indian was to be 
seen. In the night the savages had retreated, and 
were then probably at a distance of leagues, no one 
could tell where. There were, however, many indi- 
cations left of the results of the battle. The 
interior of the fort was quite crimsoned with fresh 
blood. A bloody trail led to a hole which they had 
cut through the ice in the middle of the river, and 
into which they had thrust the bodies of the slain. 
It was not their intention that the trappers should 
know how many of their number had been wounded 
or slain. Mr. Carson with his victorious associates 
returned to the camp. 

A council of war was held. It was generally 
supposed that the powerful Blackfeet could bring five 
thousand warriors into the field. They were very 
resolute men ; having been abundantly successful 
heretofore, it was not doubted they would strain 
every nerve to wipe out the disgrace of this defeat 



tiNCAMFMKNTS AND BATTLES. i/J 

The trappers were confident that the savages would 
soon appear again, with numbers which they would 
deem sufficient to annihilate the white men. Guided 
by the wisdom of Kit Carson, the whole ramp imme- 
diately resolved itself into a military garrison. In- 
trenchments were thrown up to guard every ap- 
proach. Everything was cleared away, around the 
camp within rifle range, behind which an Indian could 
secrete himself. The most trusty men were appointed 
as sentinels. 

About a mile from the camp there was an emi- 
nence, several hundred feet high, whose summit 
commanded a fine view of the whole surrounding 
country. Every day some one was sent to that hill 
to keep a constant lookout. 

The wisdom of Mr. Carson's measures was soon 
apparent. One morning the watch on the hill dis- 
cerned, far away in the distance, a warlike band of 
Indians approaching. He had no doubt that it was, 
as it proved to be, but the advanced guard of the In- 
dian army. He waved his signal to communicate the 
intelligence to the camp, and immediately hastened 
down to join his comrades. Every man sprang to 
arms and was at his post. Kit Carson had antici- 
pated everything and had attended to the most min- 
ute details. 

With firm self-confident tread the savages came 



f/C C11K1^'II)1'1H::K CARSU^J. 

on, a ihousand in number, to crush by the weight of 
their onset, and to trample beneath their feet sixty 
trappers. It was an appalling sight even for brave 
men to look upon. They were all arrayed in their 
fantastic war costume, some on horseback splendidly 
mounted, some on foot, many armed with rifles, and 
others with bows, arrows, and lances which were very 
formidable weapons in the hands of such stalwart and 
sinewy men. 

They came in separate bands, of two or three 
hundred each, and took position about a mile from 
the fort. As band after band came up, the prairie 
and the adjacent hills resounded with their yells of 
defiance. In the evening they held their war-dance, 
which the trappers well understood to be the sure 
precursor of the battle on the next day. Their 
songs could be distinctly heard in the camp, and as 
they danced, with hideous contortions, in the gather- 
ing shades of night around their fires, it seemed as 
though a band of demons had broken loose from 
Pandemonium. 

With the first dawn of the morning, a large party 
of these warriors approached the fort to reconnoitre. 
They were evidently astonished in beholding the 
preparations which had been made to receive them. 
They could not, from any direction, approach within 
an eighth of a mile, without present'ng their bodies 3 



ENCAMPMENTS AND UATl l.ES. IJ^ 

perfect target for the rifles of men who never missed 
their aim. These cautious warriors did not venture 
within half a mile of the fortress. But they were 
keen-eyed and sagacious men. They saw that the 
Uappeis were effectually protected by their breast- 
v.-orks, and that the fort could by no possibility be 
(aken without enormous slaughter on their own side. 
Indeed it was doubtful whether, armed as the white 
men were, with rifles, revolvers and knives the fort 
could be taken at any expense. 

In their impotent rage a few random shots were 
fired at the fort, but the bullets did not reach their 
mark. The trappers threw away no lead. They 
quietly awaited the attack, and were so confident of 
their ability to defeat the Indians, that they were 
disappointed when they saw the reconnoitring party 
commencing to retire. They shouted to them in 
terms of derision, hoping to exasperate them into an 
attack. But the wary savages were not thus to be 
drawn to certain death. They retired to their camp, 
which as we have said was distant about a mile from 
the fort, but which was in perfect view. 

Here they evidently held a general council of 
war. There probably was some diversity of opinion, 
as many speeches were made and the council was 
protracted for several hours. There was manifestly 
no enthusiasm on the occasion, and no exultant 
8* 



LyZ CHRISTOPHER CARSOu 

shouts were heard. At the conclusion of the council^ 
the whole band divided into two parties and, in di- 
vergent directions, disappeared from view. After 
this the trappers were not again disturbed by the In- 
dians. Indeed they feared no molestation. No In- 
dian band would think of attacking a fortress which 
a thousand warriors had declared impregnable. 

As soon as the returning spring ivould permit, the 
trappers broke up their encampment on the Yellow- 
stone, and passing directly west through the very 
heart of the Blackfeet country, planted their traps 
on the head waters of the Missouri river. For three 
months they traversed many of the tributaries of 
this most majestic of streams. They were mod- 
erately successful, and in the early summer turned 
their steps south, crossing the mountains to dispose 
of their furs at the Rendezvous, which was again held 
on Green river. Here they remained in such social 
enjoyment as the great festival could afford them, 
until the month of August, when the Rendezvous 
was dissolved. 



CHAPTER IX. 

The Trapper s Elysium. 

Trapping OR the Missouri.— Attacked by the Blackfeet.— 1 he Sat 
tie. — Persevering Hostility of the Indians. — The Trappers driven 
from the Country. — Repair to the North Fork, — Cheerful En 
campments. — Enchanting Scene. — Village of. the Flatheads. — 
The Blessings of Peace. — Carson's Knowledge of Languages.— 
Pleasant Winter Quarters on the Big Snake River. — Successful 
Trapping. — Winter at Brown's Hole. — Trip to Fort Bent. — 
Peculiar Characters. — Williams and Mitchel. — Hunter at Fort 
Bent. — Marriage. — Visit to the States. 

Upon the breaking up of the rendezvous at 
Green river, Kit Carson, with five companions, 
directed his steps in a northwest course, about two 
hundred miles to Fort Hall, on Snake river. He 
spent the autumnal months trapping along the 
various streams in this region. They were very 
successful on this tour, and at the close of the season 
returned to the fort with a rich supply of furs. 
These forts were generally trading-houses, well foi li- 
fted and garrisoned, but not governmental military 
posts. 

Here Carson disposed of his furs to good advan- 
tage, and after remaining there about a month he 



l80 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

crossed the mountains with a large party of trappen 
to the head waters of the Missouri, thus again 
entering the country of the Blackfeet. They struck 
the Missouri river itself far up among the mountains. 
They commenced setting their traps on this stream. 
Slowly they followed up the banks, gathering in the 
morning what they had taken through the night. 

One morning a party of half a dozen trappers, 
who had gone about two miles from the camp to 
examine their traps, encountered a band of Blackfeet 
Indians, who fired upon them. The trappers imme- 
diately retreated with the greatest rapidity. Though 
closely pursued by their swift-footed foes they 
reached the camp in safety. It so happened that 
near their camp there was quite an extensive 
thicket of tall trees and dense underbrush. Kit 
Carson, not knowing how numerous the Indians 
might be who were coming upon him, directed the 
men as quickly as possible to conceal themselves and 
animals in the thicket. 

Scarcely had the order been executed when the 
Indians with hideous yells came rushing towardg 
the camp. But not a trapper or a horse was visible. 
Nothing was found there but silence and solitude. 
Still they came rushing on, shouting and brandishing 
their weapons, when suddenly and to their great con- 
iternation, the reports of the rifles were heard and 



THE TRAPPER'S El.VSIUM. l8l 

fourteen bullets struck fourteen warriors. Several 
were killed outright, others were seriously wounded. 
Before the savages had recovered from their conster- 
nation the rifles were reloaded and every man was 
ready for another discharge. 

The brave Blackfeet wavered for a moment, and 
then with unearthly yells, made a simultaneous 
charge upon the thicket. Carson was in the midst 
of his little band. His calm, soft voice was heard 
reassuring his men, as he said : 

" Keep cool and fire as deliberately as if you were 
shooting at game." 

There was another almost simultaneous discharge 
and every bullet struck a warrior. The Indians,, 
thus mercilessly handled, recoiled, and every one 
sought refuge behind some trunk, rock or tree. 
They could see no foe, while the trappers could find 
peep-holes through which they could watch all the 
movements of the Indians. A shower of arrows was 
thrown into the thicket, but none of the trappers 
were struck. The intermittent battle continued the 
whole day. Several times the savages attempted to 
renew the charge, but as often the same deadly vol- 
ley was poured in upon them with never-failing aini» 

At length they attempted to set the thicket or 
fire, hoping thus to barn out their foes. There was 
another and still larger body of trappers about sin 



£82 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

miles below the point where this battle was raging 
But the direction of the wind was such, togethei 
with the dense forest and the broken ground, that the 
report of the fire-arms was not heard. 

It is probable that the Indians had knowledge of 
this band, and feared that the larger party might 
come to the aid of their friends. Whatever may 
have been the reason which influenced them, they 
suddenly abandoned the contest and departed. As 
soon as Mr. Carson had satisfied himself that they 
were efi'ectually out of the way, he emerged from his 
retreat and joined his friends down the river. His 
coolness and prudence had saved the party. They 
lost not a man nor an animal. 

But the Indians still hovered around in such ener- 
getic and persevering hostility, that not a trappei 
could leave the camp without danger of falling into 
an ambuscade. The Indians avoided any decisive 
conflict, but their war-whoops and yells of defiance, 
like the bowlings of wolves, could be heard, by day 
and by night, in the forests all around them. Un- 
less the traps were carefully guarded, they were sure 
to be stolen. Under these circumstances there was 
no possibility of trapping with any hope of success. 
Once before the indomitable Indians had driven the 
trappers from their country. And now again it was 
deemed necessary to withdraw from their haunts. 



THE TRAPPER'S ELYSIUM. ife^ 

To the trappers this was a very humiliating neces- 
sity. A council was held and it was decided to 
abandon the region and to direct their steps about 
fcv;o hundred miles, in a northeasterly direction, to 
the north fork of the Missouri river. The journey 
was soon accomplished without adventure. The 
trappers, far removed from their inveterate foes, 
vigorously commenced operations. They had their 
central camp. In small parties they followed up and 
down the majestic stream, and pursued the windings 
of the brooks flowing into it. They generally went 
in parties of two or three. 

Wherever night found them, whether with cloud 
less skies or raging storm, it mattered not, the work 
of an hour with their hatchets, reared for them a 
sheltering camp. Before it blazed the ever-cheerful, 
illuminating fire. Rich viands of the choicest game 
smoked upon the embers, and the hunters, reclining 
upon their couches of blankets or furs, exulted in 
the luxurious indulgence of a hunter's life. With 
all the hardships to which one is exposed in such 
adventures, there is a charm accompanying them 
which words cannot easily describe. It warms the 
blood of one sitting upon the carpeted floor in his 
well-furnished parlor to send his imagination back to 
those scenes. 

Men of little book culture, and with but slight 



154 CHRISTOPHER CAKSOis. 

acquaintance with the elegancies of polished lifei 
have often a high appreciation of the beauties and 
the sublimities of nature. Think of such a man as 
Kit Carson, with his native delicacy of mind ; a deli- 
cacy which never allowed him. to use a profane wora, 
to indulge in intoxicating drinks, to be guilty of an 
impure action ; a man who enjoyed, above all 
things else, the communings of his own spirit with 
the silence, the solitude, the grandeur, with which 
God has invested the illimitable wilderness ; think of 
such a man in the midst of such scenes as we are 
noAv describing. 

It is the hour of midnight. His camp is in one of 
the wildest ravines of the Rocky mountains. A dense 
and gloomy forest covers the hillsides. A moun- 
tain torrent, with its voice of many waters, flows on 
its way but a few yards beyond the open front of 
his camp. A brilliant fire illumines the wild scene 
for a few rods around, while all beyond is impene- 
trable darkness. His hardy mule, accustomed ^.o all 
weathers, is browsing near by. The floor of his 
camp, spread with buffalo robes, looks warm and 
Inviting. His two comrades are soundly asleep with 
their rifles on their arms, ready at the slightest alarni 
to spring to their feet prepared for battle. 

There is a i aging storm wailing through the tree- 
tops. The howling of the wolves is heard as. in 



THE TRAPPER'S ELYSIUM. ' 8^ 

fierce and hungry packs, they roam through these 
uninhabited wilds. Carson, reclining upon his couch, 
in pel feet health and unfatigued, caresses the faith- 
ful dog, which clings to his side, as he looks out upon 
the scene and listens to the storm. What is there 
which the chambers of the Metropolitan hotel can 
afford, which the hardy mountaineer would accept in 
exchange ? 

Slowly our party of trappers ascended the river, 
gathering many furs on their way. It was an unex- 
plored region, and they could never tell what scene 
the next mile would open before them. One morn- 
ing as they were turning the majestic bend of a ravine, 
they came upon a beautiful little meadow, where the 
mountains retired for nearly a quarter of a mile from 
the stream, and where the waters of the river flowed 
gently in a smooth, untroubled current. They were 
ascending the river which flowed down from the south. 
A beautiful vista was opened before them of green 
valleys and gentle treeless eminences, while far away 
in the distance rose towering mountains. 

Upon this lovely meadow there was a large vil* 
Uge of Flathead Indians. Their conical lodges, 
constructed of skins, were scattered thickly around^ 
while the smoke of their fires curled gently through 
an opening in the top of each lodge. Children were 
playing upon the greensward, shooting their arrowst 



I86 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

throwing their javelins, and engaged in sundry othei 
barbaric sports. A party of the Indians had just 
returned from a hunting expedition laden with game 
Warriors and women were scattered around in small 
groups, discussing the events of the day and pre- 
paring for a great feast. Young Indian girls, of 
graceful form, looked very attractive in their pic- 
turesque attire of fringed buskined leggins and ghtter- 
ing beads. 

Kit Carson at once recognized these Indians as 
his friends, the Flatheads. They knew him and 
gave him and his comrades a cordial greeting. O. 
the blessings of peace ! How many are the woes of 
this world which are caused by man's inhumanity to 
man. The trappers were led by their Indian friends, 
with smiling faces and kind words, into their lodges 
and shared with them in a thanksgiving feast. 

Mr. Carson was endowed with unusual facility in 
the acquisition of languages. He could converse 
fluently in Spanish and French, and it was stated 
that he also understood some ten Indian dialects. 
With the Flatheads he was quite at home. After a 
few days, spent in this hospitable village, it was 
deemed expedient to seek winter quarters. Several 
of the chiefs accompanied them. They accordin^rly 
left the head waters of the Missouri, and crossed the 
Rocky mountains in a southerly direction, about two 



THE TRAPPER S ELYSIUM. l8; 

hundred miles, till they reached the Big Snake rivefc 
It will be remembered that this stream, flowing from 
the western declivities of the mountains, is the most 
important tributary of the Columbia river. Here the 
winter passed very pleasantly away without any in- 
cident which calls for record. Rather an unusual 
quantity of snow fell. But the trappers were warmly 
housed, with ample clothing and abundant fuel. 

Every pleasant day hunters left the camp, and 
usually returned well laden with game. Thus the 
larder of the trappers was well provided for. An 
anonymous writer speaking of these winter encamp- 
ments, says : 

" The winter seasons in the Rocky mountains are 
usually fearful and severe. There snow-storms form 
mountains for themselves, filling up the passes for 
weeks and rendering them impracticable either for 
man or beast. 

The scenery is indescribably grand, provided the 
beholder is well housed. If the case be otherwise, 
and he is doomed to encounter these terrible storms, 
his situation is dreadful in the extreme. Even du- 
ring the summer months the lofty peaks of this 
mighty chain of mountains are covered with white 
caps of snow. It affords a contrast to the elements, 
of the grandest conception, to stand in the shade of 
some verdant valley wiping th t perspiration from tht 



*88 CHkisToniER carson. 

brow, and at the same time to look upon a darkly 
chreatening storm-cloud powdering the heads of the 
hoary monster mountains from its freight of flaky 
snow. 

" So far these American giant mountains are un- 
surpassed by their Alpine brothers of Europe. Not 
so in the glaciers. Throughout the great range 
there are no glaciers to be found which can compare 
with those among the Alps.'' 

In the spring the trappers scattered in small 
bands throughout that region. They were in the 
territory of the Utah Indians, just north of the Great 
Salt Lake. Kit Carson was well acquainted with 
them and they were all his friends. The trappers, 
therefore, wandered at pleasure without fear of mo- 
lestation. Mr. Carson took but one trapper with 
him, with two or three pack mules. They were very 
successful, and in a few weeks obtained as many furs 
as their animals could carry. 

With these they went to a trading post, not very 
far distant from them called Fort Robidoux. Here 
their furs were disposed of to good advantage. Mr. 
Carson, having judiciously invested his gains, organ. 
ized another party of five trappers, and traversed an 
unpeopled wilderness for a distance of about two 
hundred miles until he reached the wild ravines and 
pathless solitudes of Grand river. This stream, 



THE TRAPPER S E..YbIUM. 1 89 

whose junction with the Green river forms the Col 
orado takes its rise on the western dechvity of the 
R®ck> mountains, amidst its most wild and savage 
glens. Trapping down this river with satisfactory 
success, late in the autumn he reached Green river. 
Falling snows and piercing winds admonished him 
that the time had come again to retire to wintei 
quarters. 

He repaired to Brown's Hole, the well known and 
beautiful valley which he had often visited before. 
Here he passed an uneventful but pleasant winter. 
With the earliest spring he again directed his foot- 
steps to the country of the Utahs in the remote 
north. He was successful in trapping, and as the 
heat of summer came, he again turned his steps, 
with well laden mules, to Fort Robidoux. Here he 
found, to his disappointment, that beaver fur had 
greatly deteriorated in value. His skins would 
scarcely bring him enough to pay for the trouble of 
taking them. This was caused mainly by the use 
of silk instead of fur^ throughout Europe and Amer- 
ica, in the manufacture of hats. 

Kit Carson saw at a glance, that his favorite 
occupation was gone ; that he and the other trappers 
would be compelled to seek some other employment. 
In company with five men of a decidedly highei 
order than the common run of trappers, he struck 



igO CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

for the head waters of Arkansas river. Following 
this stream down along the immense defile which 
nature seems to have opened for it through the 
Rocky mountains, they approached Fort Bent, which 
Is about one hundred and fifty miles east of that 
gigantic barrier. 

Mr. Carson's companions on this trip, were some 
of them at least, very peculiar characters, — very 
interesting specimens of the kind of men who are 
drawn from the haunts of civilization to the wilder- 
ness. One was a man, probably partially insane, who 
was known through all the Rocky mountain region 
as *' old Bill Williams." He had been a Methodist 
preacher in Missouri. For some unknown reason 
he left the States and joined the Indians, adopting 
their dress and manners. He was very familiar with 
the Bible and had marvellous skill in the acquisition 
of languages. He would spend but a short time 
with any tribe before he became quite familiar with 
their speech. Though his conduct was often in 
strange contrast with the teachings of that sacred 
book, he took much pleasure in telling the Indiana 
Bible stories. He was subsequently killed in some 
feud with the savages. 

Another of his companions, whose real or assumed 
name was Mitchel, had abandoned his friends and 
joined the Comanche Indians. It is a much easier 



THE trapper's ELYSIUM. I9I 

step fiom the civilized man to the savage than from 
the savage to the civiHzed. Mitchel, with his Indian 
costume, his plumed head-gear, his Indian weapons, 
and his fluent Indian speech, could not be distin* 
guished from the savages around him. The Coman- 
ches adopted him into their tribe and accepted him 
as one of the most prom.inent of their braves. 
Mitchel said that his object was to discover a gold 
mine through their guidance, which they reported 
was to be found amid the mountains of Northern 
Texas. Disappointed in this endeavor, he joined the 
trappers and was cordially welcomed by them as an 
experienced mountaineer, a man full of humor and 
one who could tell a capital story. 

When Kit Carson and his companions had arrived 
^vithin a few days* journey of the fort, Mitchel and a 
man by the name of New, contrary to the advice of 
Carson, decided to remain behind, to enjoy them- 
selves in a beautiful country where they found abun- 
dance of game. A week after the safe arrival of 
Mr. Carson and his party, these two men made their 
appearance in a truly pitiable plight. They had 
encountered a party of Indian hunters who, while 
sparing their lives, had robbed them of their arms, 
their ammunition and even of every particle of their 
clothing. Of course they were kindly received at 
the fort and all their wants supplied. 



192 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

Fort Bent was a trading post ; belonged to a com 
pany of merchants of whom Messrs. Bent and Vrain, 
residing at the fort, were partners. Immediately 
upon Mr. Carson's arrival there, he was so well known 
and his capabilities so well understood, that he 
received an earnest application to take the position 
of hunter for the fort. He accepted the office and 
filled it for eight years with such skill and fidelity 
that never did one word of disagreement pass be- 
tween him and his employers. His duties were to 
supply a camp of about forty men with all the animal 
food they needed. 

When game was plenty, this was an easy task, 
but often wandering bands of Indian hunters would 
sweep that whole region around rendering the labors 
of Mr. Carson extremely difficult. For unfrequently 
he would wander from sunrise to sunset over prairie 
and mountain, in pursuit of game ; but rarely did he 
return without a mule load. At times he extended 
his hunting trips to a distance of fifty miles from the 
fort. During these eight years thousands of buffalo, 
elk, antelope and deer, fell before his rifle, besides a 
vast amount of smaller game. 

The skill which he displayed, and the success 
which that skill secured, excited the admiration alike 
of the red men .and the white men. He was univer. 
•ally known by the Indians, and was respected and 



THE TRAPPER'S ELYSIUM. I93 

beloved by them. Fearless and alone he wandered 
over mountain and prairie, frequently meeting 
bands of hunteis, and warriors, and entering the 
lodges of the savages, and sleeping in them without 
encountering any harm. They admired his boldness 
and an instinctive sense of honor led them not to 
maltreat one who had ever proved their friend, and 
who trusted himself so unreservedly in their 
power. 

His familiarity with the Indian language enabled 
him to converse familiarly with them. He was as 
much at home in the wilderness as the most veteran 
hunters of their tribes. In the huts of the Arapahoes, 
Cheyennes, Kiowas and Comanches he was always 
a welcome guest. They appreciated the vast superi- 
ority of his intellect. Often groups of men, women 
and children would linger around the central fire of 
the lodge till after midnight, listening to his enter- 
taining stories of adventure and peril. 

One incident which occurred at this time, speaks 
volum.es in reference to Mr. Carson's character as a 
lover of peace, and is deserving of perpetual remem- 
brance. 

The Sioux tribe of Indians who could bring a 
thousand warriors into the field had invaded the hunt- 
ing-grounds of the Comanches. Several skirmishes 
had already taken place, in which the Comanches 



.94 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

had been worsted. The chiefs sent a deputation to 
Kit Carson, whom they regarded as a host in him- 
self, to come to their aid, and to take the leadership 
of one of their bands. Carson promptly responded 
to their call. He met the Comanche chiefs in coun- 
cil, and so represented to them the blessings of peace 
and the horrors of war, that they consented to send a 
deputation, to effect if possible, an amicable settle- 
ment of the difficulty. 

We infer from the brief narrative that is given 
that Kit Carson was the bearer of this Indian flag of 
truce. He was the friend of both parties. He was 
alike regarded by both as eminent for his wisdom 
and his sense of justice. He met the Sioux chiefs in 
council. After long deliberation, they consented to 
retire from the Comanches* hunting-ground at the 
close of the then season, and never to molest them 
more. 

Carson returned to the Comanches with this an- 
nouncement, and persuaded them to accede to the 
terms. Thus a dreadful Indian war was averted. 

Among some of these tribes Kit Carson found a 
beautiful and unusually intelligent Irdian girl, whom 
he married, and took to his home in the fort. 

It is the undisputed testimony of all who knew 
him, that he was a man of unspotted purity of char* 
ftcter in his domestic relations. By this wife, Mr. 



THE TRAPPER'S ELYSIUM. I95 

Carson had one child ; a daughter. Not long after 
the birth of this child, the mother died. The father 
watched over the motherless infant with the utmost 
tenderness. As ishe emerged from infancy to child- 
hood he removed her to St. Louis. Here he found 
the funds he had so carefully invested very valuable 
to him. He was able liberally to provide foi all her 
wants, to give her as good an education as St. Louis 
could afford, and to introduce her to the refining in- 
fluences of polished society. She was subsequently 
married and removed with her husband to Cali- 
fornia. 

Sixteen years had now elapsed since Kit Carson 
left the log cabin of his father, in the then wilds of 
Missouri, for the still wilder regions of mountaineer 
life. Referring to this period, he says : 

" During sixteen years my rifle furnished almost 
every particle of food upon which I hved. For many 
consecutive years, I never slept under the roof of a 
house, or gazed upon the face of a white woman." 

He now, very naturally, began to long to visit the 
home of his childhood, and to witness some of the 
scenes of progressive civilization, rumors of which 
often reached him in the forest. Messrs. Bent and 
Vrain were in the habit of sending once a year a 
train of wagons to St. Louis, to transport their skins 
and to obtain fresh supplies. It was a journey of 



tgb CHRISTOl'HEK CARSUN. 

about six hundred miles. There was a wagon trail, 
if we may so call it, leading circuitously over the 
vast and almost treeless intervening plains. The 
route led along the river valleys, following the wind- 
ings of streams, and conducting to fords near their 
head waters. Sometimes they came to swampy 
regions, sometimes to deep gulleys, sometimes to 
desert plains. But throughout all this wide expanse 
there were no mountain ranges to obstruct their path. 
It was in the spring of the year 1842, that Mr. 
Carson, as a gentleman passenger, joined one of these 
caravans. The little daughter, of whom we have 
spoken, was then six or seven years of age. It was 
one object of his journey to place her at school, at 
St. Louis, where she could enjoy the advantages of 
a refined and christian education. We have no 
record of the incidents of this journey, which was 
probably uneventful. The old Indian trail had 
become quite a passable road for wagons. 



CHAPTER X. 

Fremont" s Expedition, 

C&raon's Visit to his Childhood's Home — On the Steamer. — Intro 
duction to Fremont. — Object of Fremont's Expedition. — ^Joins 
the Expedition. — Organization of the Party. — The Encamp- 
ment. — Enchanting View. — Fording the Kansas. — The Stormy 
Night. — The Boys on Guard. — The Alarm. — The Returning 
Trappers. — The Homeless Adventurer. — Three Indians Join the 
Party.— First Sight of the Buffaloes.— The Chase. 

When the caravan, with which Kit Carson 
travelled as a passenger from Fort Bent, arrived with- 
in the boundaries of Missouri, he left his compan- 
ions and, with his little daughter, turned aside to 
visit the home of his childhood. He had, as we have 
mentioned, been absent from that home for sixteen 
years. Time, death, and the progress of civilization 
had wrought, in that region, what seemed to him 
fearful ravages. One of his biographers writes : 

" The scenes of his boyhood days he found to be 
magically changed. New faces met him on all sides. 
The old log cabin where his father and mother had 
resided, was deserted and its dilapidated walls were 
crumbling with decay. The once happy inmates 



198 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

were scattered over the face of the earth, while many 
of their voices were hushed in death. Kit Carson 
feit himself a stranger in a strange land. The strong 
man wept. His soul could not brook either the 
change or the ways of the people. While he failed 
not to receive kindness and hospitahty from the 
noble hearted Missourians, nevertheless he had fully 
allayed his curiosity and, as soon as possible, he bade 
adieu to these unpleasant recollections. 

" He bent his steps towards St. Louis. In this 
city he remained ten days. As it was the first time, 
since he had reached manhood, that he had viewed 
a town of any magnitude, he was greatly interested. 
But ten days of sight-seeing wearied him. He 
resolved to return to his mountain home, where he 
could breathe the pure air of Heaven and where 
manners and customs conformed to his wild life and 
were more congenial to his tastes. He engaged a 
passage on the first steamboat which was bound up 
the Missouri river." 

Kit Carson was instinctively a student. In what- 
ever situation he was placed he was ever endeavoring 
to learn something new. He was also always drawn, 
by constitutional taste and preference towards men of 
culture, and high moral worth. On board the steam- 
cr, he found himself almost a perfect stranger 
Though a small man in frame, modest and unobtru 



FREMONT'S EXPEDITION. 199 

sive, there was something in his kindly handsome face 
and winning manners, which invariably attracted 
attention. As he quietly \vandered over the boat, 
studying its machinery, the discipline of t;he :rew 
and the faces of his fellow passengers, he found him- 
self irresistibly drawn towards one whose counte- 
nance and dignified bearing indicated that he was de- 
cidedly above most of those on board. 

It is said that " the eagle eye, the forehead, the 
form, the movements, the general features, the smile, 
the quiet dignity of the man, each and all these at- 
tributes of his manhood had been carefully noted by 
the wary and hardy mountaineer, and had not failed 
to awaken in his breast a feeling of admiration and 
respect." 

Kit Carson entered into conversation with this 
man. Immediately an attachment sprang up be- 
tween them, which grew increasingly strong through 
many subsequent years. The new friend whom Car- 
son had thus found was Lieutenant John C. Fre- 
mont, of the United States corps of Topographical 
Engineers. He had been commissioned by the 
Government to explore and report upon the coun- 
try between the frontiers of Missouri and the South 
Pass in the Rocky mountains, on the line of the 
Kansas and Great Platte rivers. 

Lieutenant Fremont had left Washington, and ar 



200 CUKISTOI'IIER CARSON. 

rived at St. Louis on the twenty-second of May 
1842. Here he engaged a party of twenty-one men, 
principally Creole and Canadian boatmen, who were 
familiar with Indian life, having been long engaged 
in the service of the various fur companies. In ad- 
dition to these boatmen, Lieutenant Fremont had 
under his charge, Henry Brandt, nineteen years of 
age, son of Colonel J. B. Brant, of St. Louis, and Ran- 
dolph Benton, a lively boy of twelve years, son of the 
distinguished U. S. Senator from Missouri. These 
young men accompanied the expedition for that de- 
velopment of mind and body which their parents 
hoped the tour would give them. 

With this party. Lieutenant Fremont was ascend- 
ing ^he river four hundred miles, to the mouth of the 
Kansas, from which point he was to take his depart 
ure through the unexplored wilderness. We say 
unexplored, though many portions of it had been 
visited by wandering bands of unlettered trappers 
and hunters. Lieutenant Fremont had been disap- 
pointed in obtaining the guide he had expected. 
Upon learning this fact, Mr. Carson retired to a 
secluded part of the boat, sat down, and for some 
time seemed lost in reverie. Then rising and ap- 
proaching Lieutenant Fremont he modestly said to 
him 

** Sir, I have been for some time in the moun- 



FREMONT'S EXPEDITION. 201 

lains, and think I can guide you to any point there 
>ou may wish to reach." 

The office of a guide, through thousand? c£ miles 
ol untroden wilderness, was a very responsible posi- 
tion. Mr. Carson was an entire stranger to Lieuten- 
ant Fremont. But there was something in his bear- 
ing which inspired confidence. After making a few 
inquiries of others, Mr. Carson was engaged to act 
as guide with a salary of one hundred dollars a 
month. 

The expedition commenced its march from neat 
the mouth of the Kansas on the loth of June 1842. 
It followed along the banks of that stream, in a west- 
erly direction. The whole party consisted of twenty- 
eight souls. They were well armed and were well 
mounted with the exception of eight men, who drove 
as many carts. These carts were each drawn by two 
mules and were packed with the stores of the party, 
their baggage and their instruments. There were a 
number of loose horses in the train to supply the 
place of any, which might be disabled by the way. 
There were also four oxen, which were added as a 
contribution to their stock of provisions, one may 
well imagine that so numerous a cavalcade, winding 
its way over the undulating and treeless prairie, 
would present a very imposing aspect. 

An Indian guide conducted them for the first 



202 CHRISTOPTIER CaRSON. 

forty miles, along the river banks, with which Mr 
Carson was not familiar. He then left them and 
they enteied upon that vast ocean of prairie which 
extended, with scarcely any interruption, to the base 
of the Rocky mountains. 

The borders of nearly all these western streams 
are fringed with a narrow belt of forest. Here where 
there was abundance of water, the richest of soil 
which needed but to be " tickled with a hoe to laugh 
with a harvest," and where there was an ample 
supply of timber for building and for fuel, they 
found many good-looking Indian farms with Indians 
riding about in their picturesque costumes. 

At an early hour in the afternoon they encamped 
in a smooth and luxuriant meadow, upon the banks 
of a small stream flowing into the Kansas. Nearly 
all the party were experienced backwoodsmen. 
Speedily, and with almost military precision, the 
camp was formed in the following manner: The 
eight carts were so arranged as to present a sort of 
barricade, encircling an area about eighty yards in 
diameter. The cloth tents, such as are used in the 
irmy, were pitched inside the enclosure. The 
animals were all hobbled and turned out to feed in 
the meadow. The company was divided into four 
messes of seven men each. Each mess had its c f>ok. 
They quickly prepared the evening meal. 



FREMONT'S EXPEDITION. 203 

At nightfall all the animals, having been well fed 
on the abundant grass, were driven within the 
enclosure for the night and picketed A small steel- 
shod picket was driven firmly into the ground, to 
which the animal was fastened by a rope about 
twenty feet long. The carts were regularly arranged 
for defending the camp. A guard was mounted at 
eight o'clock, consisting of three men, who were 
relieved every two or three hours. At daybreak 
the camp was roused. The hobbled animals were 
again turned loose upon the meadow or prairie to 
obtain their breakfast. The breakfast of the men 
was generally over between six and seven o'clock. 
The march was then resumed. There was a halt at 
noon for about two hours. Such was the usual order 
of the march day after day. 

The second night, just as they were about to 
encamp, one of the loose horses started upon the 
full gallop, on his return, and was followed by several 
others. Several men were sent in pursuit. They 
did not return with the fugitives until midnight. 
One man lost his way and passed the whole night 
upon the open prairie. At midnight it began to rain 
violently. By some strange oversight, the tents 
were of such thin cloth that the rain soaked through 
and those within them were thoroughly drenched. 
The discomfort of the night, however, was forgotten 



204 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

as the (iawn of the morning ushered in anothei 
iovely sumnTxCr day. 

The journey through the beautiful and pictur- 
esque scenery was a delight. In the serene close of 
the afternoon they encamped on one of the Kansas 
bluffs. From this spot they had an enchanting 
view of the valley, about four miles broad, inter- 
spersed with beautiful groves and prairies of the 
richest verdure. This evening they killed one of 
their oxen for food. Thus far their route had been 
along the southern bank of the Kansas. The next 
day they reached what was called the ford of that 
river, a hundred miles from its entrance into the 
Missouri. 

But the recent rains had so swollen the stream 
that it was rushing by, a swift and rapid torrent two 
hundred and thirty yards wide. The river could not 
be forded. Several mounted men entered it to swim 
their horses across, and thus to act as guides or 
leaders for the rest. The remaining animals were 
driven in, and all got safely across excepting the 
three oxen, who being more clumsv swimmers, were 
borne down by the current and again landed on the 
right side. The next morning, however, they were 
got over in safety. 

Lieutenant Fremont had adopted the precaution 
of taking with him a portable India rubber boat. It 



FREMONTS EXPEDITION. 20$ 

was twenty feet long and five feet broad. It was 
placed in the water, and the carts and the baggage 
were carried over piecemeal. Three men paddled 
the boat. Still the current was so strong that one 
of the best swimmers took in his teeth the end of a 
rope attached to the boat and swam ahead, that, 
reaching the shore, he might assist in drawing her 
over. Six passages were successfully made and six 
carts with most of their contents were transported 
across. Night was approaching, and it was very 
desirable that everything should be upon the other 
side before the darkness closed in. 

" I put," says Lieutenant Fremont, ** upon the 
boat the two remaining carts. The man at the helm 
was timid on the water and, in his alarm, capsized 
the boat. Carts, barrels, boxes and bales were, in a 
moment, floating down the current. But all the men 
who were on the shore jumped into the water with- 
out stopping to think if they could swim, and almost 
everything, even heavy articles, was recovered. Two 
men came very near being drowned. All the sugar 
belonging to one of the messes was dissolved in the 
water and lost. 

But the heaviest calamity of all was the loss of a 
bag containing the coffee for the whole company 
There is nothing so refreshing to a weary mountain- 
eer, as a cup of hot coffee. Often afterwards these 



J06 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

travellers, overcome with toil, mourned the loss ot 
their favorite beverage. 

Kit Carson had made such efforts in the water, 
that in the morning he was found quite sick. 
Another of the party also was disabled. Lieutenant 
Fremont, on their account, and also to repair dama- 
ges, decided to remain in camp for the day. Quite 
a number of the Kansas tribe of Indians visited 
them in the most friendly manner. One of them 
had received quite a thorough education at St. Louis, 
and could speak French as fluently and correctly as 
any Frenchman. They brought vegetables of va- 
rious kinds, and butter. They seemed very glad to 
find a market for their productions. 

The camping-grcand of the party was on the 
open, sunny prairie, some twenty feet above the 
water, where the animals enjoyed luxuriant pastur- 
age. The party was now fairly in the Indian coun- 
try, and the chances of the wilderness were opening 
before them. 

About three weeks in advance of this party, 
there was a company of emigrants bound to Oregon. 
There were sixteen or seventeen families, men 
women and children. Sixty-four of these were men. 
They had suffered severely from illness, and there 
had been many deaths among them. One of these 
emigrants, who had buried his child, and whose wife 



FREMONT'S EXPEDITION. 20) 

was very ill, left the company under the guidance of 
a hunter, and returned to the States. The huntei 
visited the Fremont camp, and took letters from 
them to their friends. 

Day after day the party thus journeyed on, with- 
out encountering anything worthy of special notice. 
They had reached the Pawnee country. These sav- 
ages were noted horse-thieves. The route of the 
surveyors led along the banks of a placid strean% 
about fifty feet wide and four or five feet deep. 
The view up the valley, which was bordered by 
gracefully undulating hills, was remarkably beautiful. 
The stream, as usual with these western rivers, was 
fringed with willows, cottonwood, and oak. 
Large flocks of wild turkeys tenanted these trees. 
Game, also, of a larger kind made its appearance. 
Elk, antelope and deer bounded over the hills. 

A heavy bank of black clouds in the west ad- 
monished them, at an early hour in the afternoon, to 
prepare for a stormy night. Scarcely had they 
pitched their tents ere a violent wind came down 
upon them, the rain fell in torrents and incessant 
peals of thunder seemed to shake the very hills. It 
so happened that the three who were to stand guard 
on that tempestuous night, were Carson and the two 
young gentlemen Brandt and Benton. 

'* This was their first night on guard," writes Lieu* 



208 CHRISTOPHER CARSON 

tenant Fremont "and such an introduction did not 
augur very auspiciously of the pleasures of the expe- 
dition. Many things conspired to render their situa- 
tion uncomfortable. Stories of desperate and bloody 
Indian fights were rife in the camp. Our position 
was badly chosen, surrounded on all sides by tim- 
bered hollows, and occupying an area of several hun- 
dred feet, so that necessarily the guards were far 
apart. Now and then I could hear Randolph, as if 
reheved by the sound of a voice in the darkness^ 
calling out to the sergeant of the guard, to direct his 
attention to :- jme imaginary alarm. But they stood 
it out, and t.;ok their turn regularly afterwards." 

Th*^ next morning, as they were proceeding up the 
valley, several moving objects were dimly discerned 
fai away upon the opposite hills ; which objects dis- 
appeared before a glass could be brought to bear 
upon them. One of the company, who was in the 
rear, came spurring up, in great haste, shouting ** In- 
dians." He affirmed that he had seen them dis- 
tinctly, and had counted twenty-seven. The party 
immediately halted. All examined theii arms, and 
prepared for battle, in case they should bt attacked 
Kit Carson sprang upon one of the most fleet of the 
hunting horses, crossed the river, and galloped off, 
over the prairie, towards the hills where the objects 
had been seen. 



FREMONT'S EXPEDITION. 209 

•* Mounted on a fine horse, without a saddle, ' 
writes Lieutenant Fremont, '* and scouring, bare- 
headed, over the prairies, Kit was one of the finest 
pictures of a horseman I had ever seen. He soon 
returned quite leisurely, and informed them that the 
party of twenty-seven Indians had resolved itself 
into a herd of six elk who, having discovered us, 
had scampered off at full speed." 

The next day they reached a fork of the Blue 
river, where the road leaves that tributary of the 
Kansas, and passes over to the great valley of the 
Platte river. In their march, across the level prairie 
of this high table-land, they encountered a squall of 
rain, with vivid lightning and heavy peals of thunder. 
One blinding flash was accompanied by a bolt, which 
struck the prairie but a few hundred feet from their 
line, sending up a column of sand. 

A march of about twenty-three miles brought 
them to the waters of the majestic Platte river. 
Here they found a very delightful place of encamp- 
ment near Grand Island. They had now travelled 
three hundred and twenty-eight miles from the 
mouth of the Kansas river. They had fixed the 
latitude and longitude of all the important spots 
they had passed, and had carefully examined the 
geological formation of the country. 

They were working their way slowly up thii 



210 CHRISTOPHER CARSOJN. 

beautiful valley, to a point where it was only foul 
miles wide. Here they halted to '* noon.'' As they 
were seated on the grass, quietly taking their dinner, 
they were alarmed by the startling cry from the 
guard, cf '* All hands." In an instant everyboay 
was up, with his rifle in hand. The horses were 
immediately both hobbled and picketed, while all 
eyes were directed to a wild-looking band approach- 
ing in the distance. As they drew near they proved 
to be a party of fourteen white men, returning on 
foot to the States. Their baggage was strapped to 
their backs. It was indeed a forlorn and way-worn 
band. They had, on a trapping excursion, encoun- 
tered but a constant scene of disasters and were now 
returning to St. Louis, utterly impoverished. 

They brought the welcome intelligence that 
buffaloes were in abundance two days' journey in 
advance. After a social hour, in which the two 
parties feasted together, the surveyors mounted 
their horses, and the trappers shouldered their packs, 
and the two parties separated in different directions.. 
Lieutenant Fremont mentions an incident illustrative 
of the homeless life which many of these wanderers 
of the wilderness live : 

*' Among them," he writes, " I had found an old 
companion on a northern prairie, a hardened and 
hardly-served veteran of the mountains, who had 



FREMONT S EXPEDITlCtN. 211 

been as much hacked and scarred as an old moustacht 
of Napoleon's Old Guard. He flourished in the 
soubriquet of La Tulipe. His real name I never 
knew. Finding that he was going to the States, 
only because his company was bound in that direc- 
tion, and that he was rather more than willing to 
return with me, I took him again into my service.'* 

The company made but seventeen miles that 
day. Just as they had gone into camp, in the even- 
ing, three Indians were discovered approaching, two 
men and a boy of thirteen. They belonged to the 
Cheyenne tribe, and had been off, with quite a 
numerous band, on an unsuccessful horse-stealing 
raid among the Pawnees. Upon a summit, they had 
caught a glimpse of the white men, and had left their 
companions, confident of finding kind treatment at 
the camp-fires of the pale faces. 

They were invited to supper with Lieutenant 
Fremont's mess. Young Randolph Benton, and the 
young Cheyenne, after eying each other suspiciously 
for some time, soon became quite intimate friends. 
After supper one of the Cheyennes drew, upon a 
sheet of paper, very rudely, but, as it afterwards 
appeared, quite correctly, a map of the general 
character of the country between the encampment 
and their villages, which were about three hundred 
miles further west 



212 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

The two next days the party made about forty 
miles. "The air was keen," writes Lieutenant Fre- 
mont -'the next morning at sunrise, the thermome- 
ter standing at 44 degrees. It was sufficiently cold 
to make overcoats very comfortable. A few miles 
brought us into the midst of the buffalo, swarming 
in immense numbers over the plains, where they had 
left scarcely a blade of grass standing. Mr. Preuss, 
who was sketching at a Httle distance in the rear, had 
at first noticed them as large groves of timber. In 
the sight of such a mass of life, the traveller feels a 
strange emotion of grandeur. We had heard, from 
a distance, a dull and confused murmuring, and when 
we came in view of their dark masses, there was not 
one among us who did not feel his heart beat quicker. 
It was the early part of the day when the herds are 
feeding, and every where they are in motion. Here 
and there a huge old bull was rolling in the grass, 
and clouds of dust rose in the air from various parts 
of the bands. 

Shouts and songs resounded from every part of 
the Hne, and our evening camp was always the com- 
mencement of a feast which terminated only with 
our departure on the following morning. At any 
dme of the night might be seen pieces of the most 
delicate and choicest meat, roasting on sticks around 
the tire. With pleasant weather, and no enemy to 



FREMONT S EXPEDITION. 21^ 

fcjir, an abundance of the most excellent meat and 
no scarcity of bread or tobacco, they were enjoying 
an oasis of a voyageur's life.'' 

Three buffalo cows were killed to-day. Kit Carson 
had shot one, and was continuing the chase in the 
midst oi another herd, when his horse fell headlong, 
but sprang up and joined the flying band. Though 
considerably hurt, he had the good fortune to break 
no bones. Maxwell, who was mounted on a fleet hunt- 
er, captured the runaway after a hard chase. He 
was on the point of shooting him, to avoid the loss 
of his bridle, a handsomely mounted Spanish one, 
when he found that his horse was able to come up 
with him. 

The next day was the first of July. 

As our adventurers were riding joyfully along, over 
a beautiful prairie country, on the right side ot the 
river, a magnificent herd of buffalo came up from 
the water over the bank, not less then seven or eight 
hundred in number, and commenced slowly crossing 
the plain, gracing as they went. The prairie was here 
about three miles broad. This gave the hunters a 
fine opportunity to charge upon them before they 
cou]d escape among the distant hills. The fleet 
horses for hunting, were brought up and saddled 
Lieutenant Fremont, Kit Carson and L. MaxweU 
moimted for the chase. Maxwell was a veteran pio 



r 



214 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

neer, vvlio had been engaged as hunter for the ex 
pedition. 

The herd were about half a mile distant from the 
company. The three hunters rode quietly along, till 
within about three hundred yards of the herd, before 
they seemed to be noticed by the buffaloes. Then a 
sudden agitation and wavering of the herd was fol- 
lowed by precipitate and thundering flight. The 
fleet horse can outstrip the buffalo in the race. The 
three hunters plunged after them at a hard gallop. 
A crowd of bulls, gallantly defending the cows, 
brought up the rear. Every now and then they 
would stop, for an instant, and look back as if half 
disposed to show fight. 

•* In a few moments," writes Lieutenant Fremont, 
" during which we had been quickening our pace, we 
were going over the ground like a hurricane. When 
at about thirty yards we gave the usual shout and 
broke into the herd. We entered on the side, the 
mass giving away in every direction in their heedless 
course Many of the bulls, less fleet than the cows, 
paying no heed to the ground, and occupied solely 
with the hunters, were precipitated to the earth with 
great force, rolling over and over with the violence 
of the shock, and hardly distinguishable in the dust. 
We separated, on entering, each singling out his 
game. 



FkEMON'T S EXPEDITION. 21$ 

*' My horse was a trained hunter, famous in the 
west under the name of Proveau, and with his eyea 
flashing and the foam flying from his mouth, he 
sprang on ifter the cow, Hke a tiger. In a few mo- 
ments he brought me along side of her. Rising in 
the stirrups, I fired, at the distance of a yard, the 
ball entering at the termination of the long hair, 
passing near the heart. She fell headlong at the re- 
port of the gun. Checking my horse, I looked 
around for my companions. 

" At a little distance Kit was on the ground, en- 
gaged in tying his horse to the horns of a cow, which 
he was preparing to cut up. Among the scattered 
band, at some distance, I caught a glimpse of Max- 
well. While I was looking, a light wreath of white 
smoke curled away from his gur, from which I was 
too far to hear the report. Nearer, and between me 
and the hills, towards which they were directing 
their course, was the body of the herd. Giving my 
horse the rein, we dashed after them. A thick cloud 
of dust hung upon their rear, which filled my mouth 
and eyes and nearly smothered me. In the midst 
of this I could see nothing, and the buffalo were not 
distinguishable until within thirty feet. They crowd- 
ed together more densely still, as I came upon them, 
and rushed along in such a compact body that I 



tit CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

could not obtain an entrance, the horse ahnost leap 
ing upon them. 

" In a few moments the mass divided to the right 
and left, the horns clattering with a noise heard 
above everything else, and my horse darted into the 
opening. Five or six bulls charged on us, as we 
dashed along the line, but were left far behind. 
SingHng out a cow I gave her my fire, but struck too 
high. She gave a tremendous leap and scoured on 
swifter than before. I reined up my horse, and the 
band swept on like a torrent, and left the place 
quiet and clear. Our chase had led us into danger- 
ous ground. A prairie-dog village, so thickly set- 
tled that there were three or four holes in twenty 
yards square, occupied the whole bottom for nearl^p 
rwo Diiles in length." 



CHAPTER XI. 
The Return of the Expedition. 

Beautiful Prairie Scene. — Fate of the Buffalo Calf. — Vast Bufifaltt 
Herds. — The Fourth of July on the Plains. — Journey up thf 
South Fork of the Platte. — Visit to Fort St. Vrain.— Remonstrance 
of the Chiefs. — Second Marriage of Mr. Carson. — New Engage- 
ments. — Perilous Ride to Santa Fe. — The Successful Mission.— 
The Noble Mexican Boy. — Conflict with the Savage. — Discom- 
fiture of the Indians. — Fremont's Second Expedition. — Carson 
•oins the Party. — Course of the Expedition. — Arrival at the Great 
Salt Lake. 

After this exciting and successful buffalo hunt, 
the caravan in a long dark line advanced over the 
prairie twenty-four miles, and encamped on the banks 
of a stream, where they feasted abundantly upon the 
choicest cuts of buffalo beef. Wolves were howling 
around them all night, their instinct teaching them 
that bones would be left there which they would be 
privileged to gnaw. In the morning the wolves 
were seen sitting around at a short distance, barking 
and growling impatiently, waiting for the departure 
of the caravan. 

Resuming their march, they ascended the stream 
about eighteen miles, where they found a fording- 



2l8 CHRlSTOillER CARSON. 

place and crossed over to the northern bank. Here 
there opened before them a rich and beautiful prairie, 
bordered with gentle eminences on the noith and 
the south. This prairie extended about twenty miles 
along the banks of the river and was nearly six miles 
wide Its vast expanse was almost as smooth as a 
gentleman's lawn, and was waving with a luxuriant 
growth of grass and flowers. The river was skirted 
with a slight fringe of willow and cottonwood trees 
As Lieutenant Fremont intended to return b> 
the same route, he concealed here for his homeward 
journey, in what is called a cacJie, a barrel of pork. 
They encamped in the evening upon the open prairie. 
As there was no wood at hand, they built their fires 
of the dry excrement of the buffalo. This substance, 
which was called buffalo chips, burns like turf and 
forms a very good substitute for wood. Immense 
numbers of wolves surrounded the camp at night, 
with an incessant and hideous howling and barking. 
In the morning, while the explorers were sitting 
quietly at breakfast, a small buffalo calf rushed frantic 
with terror through the camp, pursued by two wolves. 
The helpless httle thing, separated from the herd, had 
probably mistaken the animals of the caravan for a 
herd of buffaloes. The frightened creature, discov- 
ering its error, continued its precipitate flight. The 
wolves, too wary to enter the camp, made a circuit 



THE RETURN OF THE EXPEDITION. 21^ 

around it, thus the calf got a Httlc the start. It 
strained every nerve to reach a large herd of buffaloes 
at the foot of the hills, about two miles distant. 
Wolf after wolf joined in the chase until more than 
Ihiity were yelping in the hot pursuit. 

A bull came out to the rescue of the little one, 
but was overpowered and driven back. Soon the 
foremost of the pack fastened their fangs into the 
calf, the rest were instantly upon him, and the quiv- 
ering animal was pulled down, torn to pieces and 
devoured almost before he was dead. Every reader 
will sympathize with the remark of Lieutenant 
Fremont : 

" We watched the chase with the interest always 
felt for the weak. Had there been a saddled horse 
at hand he would have fared better.'' 

As the caravan was slowly advancing that after- 
noon, vast clouds of dust on their right near the hills 
attracted their attention. Several enormous herds 
of buffalo seemed to emerge from these clouds, 
galloping down towards the river. By the time the 
first bands had reached the water the whole prairie 
seemed darkened with the countless multitudes, num- 
bering thousands upon thousands. They stretched 
in an unbroken line from the hills to the river, and 
fording the river passed on to the other side. 

The prairie here was not less thati two miles wide 



220 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

The mighty mass filled the whole expanse. As they 
reached the caravan, they circled around it leaving 
the travellers an open space of two or three hundred 
yards. The caravan continued its march, and the 
buffaloes continued their flow, until towards evening, 
when the company reached its camping-ground. 

It was the evening of the fourth of July. All 
through the day preparations were being made to 
celebrate the anniversary by a great feast. Lieuten- 
ant Fremont gives the following attractive account 
of the bill of fare : 

"The kindness of our friends at St. Louis had 
provided us with a large supply of excellent pre 
serves and rich fruit cake. When these were added 
to macaroni soup and variously prepared dishes of 
the nicest buffalo meat, crowned with a cup of coffee, 
and enjoyed with prairie appetites, we felt as we sat 
in barbaric luxury around our smoking supper on the 
grass, a greater sensation of enjoyment than the 
Roman epicure at his perfumed feast. But most of 
all it seemed to please our Indian friends who, in the 
unrestrained enjoyment of the moment, demanded 
to know if our medicine days came often." 

The party had now reached near the point where 
the north and south fork of the Platte river unite. 
Lieutenant Fremont wished to explore the south 
branch to obtain some astronomical observations, and 



THF RETURN OF THE EXPEDITION. 



22 



to determine the mouths of its tributaries, as far as 
St. Vrain's fort. He also hoped to obtain some mules 
there which he greatly needed. He took with him 
nine men. The three Cheyenne Indians accompa- 
nied him, as their village was upon that stream. The 
remainder of the company followed up the north fork 
to Fort Laramie to be joined by their companions 
there. 

The journey proved an arduous one. It was in- 
tolerably hot ; there were frequent tempests, with 
floods of rain and violent gusts of wind. The bot- 
tom lands on each side of the river seemed absolutely 
covered with buffaloes. Upon ascending any emi- 
cnce vast herds were seen grazing as far as the eye 
could reach. Our adventurers pressed on, quietly 
and cautiously, following the windings of the stream. 
On the fourth day they discovered Indians in the 
distance ; a band of three hundred, well mounted. 
Maxwell recognized the chief. This secured for 
them a friendly reception. They were led into their 
village. It consisted of a hundred and twenty-five 
lodges bordering a broad irregular street. 

After a hospitable entertainment, they continued 
their journey and encamped in a little grove of cot- 
tonwood, in a cold drizzling rain. The next morn- 
ing they caught their first glimpse of the Rocky 
mountains, about sixty miles distant. That diy 



2-22 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

they came across a camp of four or five white men 
who were on a trapping expedition. They had aU 
taken Indian wives, and a large number " of little fat 
buffalo-fed boys were tumbling about the camp, all 
apparently of the same age, about three or four 
years old." Their camp was on a rich bottomj lux- 
uriant with grass, and they had many well fed horses 
and mules. 

They reached St. Vrain's fort on the tenth, where 
they were hospitably received by Mr. St. Vrain. 
They purchased several horses and mules, and hired 
three additional men to accompany them across the 
country, one hundred and twenty-five miles, to Fort 
Laramie. On the twelfth they recommenced their 
journey, and reached the fort on the fifteenth. This 
trading post was quite an imposing military construc- 
tion, with large bastions at the corners, its lofty walU 
being whitewashed and picketed. A cluster of 
lodges of Sioux Indians was pitched almost under the 
shadow of its wall. The party which Kit Carson 
had accompanied had arrived a few days before, and 
was encamped near by. 

Here Fremont received the alarming intelligence 
that there was great excitement among the Indians 
beyond. They were all assuming a hostile attitude. 
Several parties of whites had already been cut ofi* 
and massacred. Most of the men, at the Fort, re 



THE RETURN OF THE EXPEDITION. 22J 

monstrated against his advance till the country should 
be somewhat settled. Even Kit Carson, though per- 
fectly ready himself to proceed, declared his convic- 
tion that the danger was imminent, and that some 
encounters with the Indians were inevitable. He 
made his will, left it at the fort and was prepared 
to go. 

Just before starting, the Sioux chiefs encamped 
at the fort almost forced themselves into Lieutenant 
Fremont's presence and presented him the following 
remonstrance written in good French : 

" Mr. Fremont : 

" The chiefs, having assembled in council, have 
just told me to warn you not to set out before the 
party of young men, which is now out, shall have re- 
turned. They tell me that they are sure they will 
fire upon you as soon as they meet you. They are 
expected back in seven or eight days. Excuse me 
for making these observations, but it seems my duty 
to warn you of danger. Moreover the chiefs, who 
prohibit your setting out before the return of the 
warriors, are the bearers of this note. I am youi 

obedient servant, 

" Joseph Bissonnette.* 

The chiefs who brought this note, four in num- 
ber, sat in silence until it had been read. One of 
them rose and stepping forward shook hands with 
Mr. Fremont, and then said : 



S24 CHRIS rOPHER CARSCN. 

** You have come among us at a bad t'me. Soir.c 
of our people have been killed, and our young men, 
who are gone to the mountains, are eager to avenge 
the blood of their relations, which has been shed by 
the whites. Our young men are bad. If they meet 
you they will believe that you are carrying goods 
and ammunition to their enemies, and will fire upon 
you. You have told us that this will make war. 
We know that our great father has many soldiers, 
and big guns, and we are anxious to have our lives. 
We love the whites and are desirous of peace. 
Thinking of all these things, we have determined to 
keep you here until our warriors return.'' 

The others followed in the same strain. Lieu- 
tenant Fremont had the pride of an American 
military officer, and was not disposed to be driven 
from his course by threats of danger. He also be- 
lieved the stories of peril to be greatly exaggerated 
and that the great object of the chiefs was to prevent 
him from going farther into their country, where he 
had openly avowed it was his intention to establish 
a military fort. He therefore, in reply, urged that 
two or three of the chiefs should accompany him 
until they should meet the young men He said 
they should eat at his table and sleep in his tent, and 
that he would abundantly toward them on theil 
return 



THE RETURN OF THE EXPEDITION. 22$ 

This they declined to do, saying that they were 
too old for such a journey. 

Mr. Fremont then said to them, " You say that 
you love the whites. But you are unwilling to 
undergo a few days' ride to save our lives. We do 
not believe you. We will not listtn to you. We are 
the soldiers of the great chief your father. He has 
told us to come here and see this country, and all 
the Indians. We shall not go back. We are few and 
you are many. You may kill us all. But do you 
think that our great chief will let his soldiers die and 
forget to cover their graves ? Before the snows melt, 
his warriors will sweep away your villages as the fire 
does the prairie in the autumn. See ! I have pulled 
down my white houses, and my people are ready. 
When the sun is ten paces higher, we shall be on the 
march." 

They left the fort on the twenty-second of July, 
and followed up the north fork of the Platte fof 
three weeks, encountering no molestation from the 
Indians, and meeting only with the ordinary hard- 
ships to be expected in travelling through the wil- 
derness. They generally found a sufficiency of water, 
of grazing and of game. They at length found 
themselves among the wildest ravines of the Rocky 
mountains. Here they employed themselves day 
fcfter da) in astronomical and geological observations 

TO* 



a26 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

and then commenced their return. All the objects 
of their expedition had been successfully accom- 
plished. They reached Fort Laramie early in 
September. Kit Carson's labors were now ended. 
He had joined the expedition as hunter and guide. 
In neither of these offices were his services any longer 
required. He therefore remained at the fort, while 
the surveying party returned to St. Louis. 

Mr. Carson's Indian wife had long been dead. 
Four months after this, in February, he married a 
Mexican lady, named Senora Josepha Jarimilla. 
This lady was highly esteemed by all who knew her 
for her many virtues, and was also endowed with 
much personal beauty. She subsequently became 
the mother of three children, for whom Mr. Carson 
has ever manifested the strongest attachment. 

Two months after his marriage he engaged as a 
hunter to accompany an expedition of Messrs. Bent 
and Vrain's wagons to the United States. When 
about half-way across the plains, they struck the great 
Santa Fe trail. Here Carson and his companions 
came upon an encampment of Captain Cook, with 
our companies of U. S. Dragoons. They were 
escorting a train of Mexican wagons, as far as the 
boundary Hne between the United States and New 
Mexico. The region was infested with robber bands 
and it was deemed important that the richly frf ighted 



THE RETURN OF THE EXPEDITION. 237 

caravan should not encounter harm within the /imits 
of the United States. 

The Mexicans were apprehensive that, as soon as 
they should separate frcm their American protectors, 
they should be attacked upon entering Texas, by a 
large body of Texan Rangers, who, it was reported, 
were waiting for them. They therefore offered Kit 
Carson, with whose energetic character they were 
well acquainted, three hundred dollars, if he would 
carry a letter to Armijo the governor of New Mexico, 
who resided at Santa Fe. This letter contained an 
application to the governor to send them an escort. 
To convey the letter required a journey of between 
three and four hundred miles through a wilderness, 
filled with hostile Indian bands. 

Carson accepted the offer, and engaging another 
man, Owens, to accompany him, rode back to Fort 
Bent. Here he learned that the Indians, through 
whose territory he must pass, were all up in arms 
against the whites, and that the journey would be 
full of peril. Owens refused to go farther. Carson 
was not a man to turn from duty because of danger. 
He found no one at the fort who could be induced 
to share the peril with him. He therefore set out 
alone. In addition to the powerful horse which he 
rode, Colonel Bent furnished him with a magnificent 
and fleet steed, which he led as a reserve corps 



228 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

Very rapidly Carson pressed on his way, watch 
ing for Indian trails and carefully avoiding all theii 
wandering bands. From every eminence he narrowly 
examined the wide and generally treeless expanse 
spread out before him, in search of any sign of the 
foe. One afternoon he saw, far away in the distance, 
an Indian encampment ot many lodges, directly on 
his trail. He immediately sought an out of the way 
place, where he might effectually secrete himself 
until night. When darkness came on, he, by a cir- 
cuitous route, passed the camp of the savages and 
pressed rapidly on his way. In a few days he reached 
Taos, much exhausted by his impetuous ride. 

He immediately called upon the mayor^of the 
town, to whom he deHvered the dispatches, and he 
at once sent an agent with them, down south a dis- 
tance of about thirty miles to the governor at Santa 
Fe. He waited at Taos the return of the messenger 
to recruit himself and horses in preparation for his 
ride back. The response was that Governor Armijo 
had sent a hundred Mexican dragoons to seek the 
caravan, and that he was about to follow with six 
hundred more. We may mention in passing, that 
this company of one hundred men, were attacked 
after a few days* march, by a large body of Texan 
rangers, and were all massacred except one, who 
escaped on a fleet horse. 



THE RETURN OF THE EXPEDiriON. 2^9 

Governor Armijo and his dragoons, as they were 
on their way, learned of this massacre, and hearing 
exaggerated reports of the strength of the Texan 
Rangers, retreated rapidly to their fortification at 
Santa Fe. The governor, in the meantime, entrusted 
dispatches to Carson, thinking that he, by riding 
express, could reach the caravan before the govern- 
mental troops could come to their aid. 

Carson was a remarkable judge of character. He 
selected, as a companion for his return,a Mexican boy 
whose innate nobility was soon developed. When 
two days out from Taos, Carson and his young com- 
panion came suddenly upon four Indian warriors. 
There was no escape, for the warriors, though at a 
distance, had seen them, and were riding rapidly 
down upon them. This noble young Mexican 
promptly turned to Kit Carson and said, " I am but a 
boy and perhaps the Indians will spare my life. At 
any rate your Hfe is much more valuable than mine. 
Therefore mount the horse you are leading without 
delay, and you can undoubtedly make your escape." 

Kit Carson repHed, " I cannot and I will not for- 
sake you. We must stand our ground together. If 
we have to die, let us take each with us an Indian 
warrior.'' 

At this time the Indians had come near and 
halted out of rifle range, as Carson and his compan- 



230 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

ion v/ere taking deliberate aim at them, thus forbid- 
ding a nearer approach. One of the savages then 
alighted, and leaving his arms behind him, came for- 
ward for a parley. He assumed to be very much at 
his ease, and approached with a careless, swaggering 
air and a smile, and offered his hand in token of 
friendship. Carson accepted the proffered hand. 
The moment it was released, the savage, a man of 
herculean frame, grasped his rifle endeavoring to 
wrench it from him, doubtless intending instantly to 
shoot him down, when the boy would easily become 
their captive. But Carson, with his clenched fi.'.t and 
sinewy arm, gave the Indian instantly such a blow 
between the eyes as rolled him prostrate upon the 
grass, with the blood spouting from his nostrils. 

The Indian, apprehensive that the next moment 
a rifle ball would pierce his' heart, sprang up and 
with the fieetness of an antelope rejoined his com- 
panions. They were on the open prairie. There 
was nothing to afford either party the slightest pro- 
tection. The Indians slowly and cautiously ad- 
vanced, until they came within speaking distance. 
Carson, who could speak their language, hailed them 
and ordered them to stop. He then assured thenij 
that if they advanced any farther or made any hos- 
tile demonstration whatever, two of their numbet 
would certainly and instantly die. 



THE RETURN OF THE EXPEDITION. 2}\ 

The savages began to bluster, primed their guns, 
and boasttd of what they intended to do. But even 
to their darkened minds it was manifest that two out 
of the four, in case of hostilities, must certainly fall 
before the rifles of the white man. And should 
the remaining two rush on before their opponents 
could reload, still the white men had their revolvers 
In hand, and it was not improbable that the other 
two might be shot. These were not the circumstances 
under which the Indians were willing to enter into 
battle. After a short delay and many defiant ges- 
tures, they departed. 

Mr. Carson and his noble-hearted boy immedi- 
ately resumed their journey, and after five days of 
hard riding reached Fort Bent. Here Mr. Carson 
learned that the Texan Rangers, having incautio\isly 
entered the territory of the United States, were all 
captured and disarmed. This relieved the conduct- 
ors of the Mexican train from all anxiety. The dis- 
patches which Mr. Carson had borne were left at 
the fort, from which place they were sent back to 
Santa Fa. 

A few days before Mr. Carson arrived at Bent s 
Fort, from this expedition into New Mexico, Mr. 
Fremont had passed by, on a second expedition to 
the still far off west. Carson was anxious to see his 
old friend and comrade again. He mounted hij 



232 CHRISTOPHEP CARSON. 

horse and, following his trail, by rapid riding over, 
took him after a pursuit of seventy miles. Colonel 
Fremont manifested the greatest pleasure in again 
meeting Mr. Carson, and so urged him to join th<2 
expedition that he decided to do so. It had become 
iranifest that the party needed more mules to as- 
sist them in their operations. In climbing wild 
mountains these hardy animals are far more valuable 
than horses. 

Kit Carson was sent back to Fort Bent to procure 
the mules, and to rejoin the party at St. Vrain's Fort, 
on the south fork of the Platte. Here Major Fitz- 
patrick, with a reinforcement of forty men, was 
added to the expedition. On Mr. Carson's return 
with the mules, the exploring party was divided into 
^.wo forces ; the main body, under Major Fitzpatrick 
following the eastern bank of the river to the site of 
the present city of Denver, and then west, through 
the passes of the mountains. They took with them 
nearly all the camp equipage. 

Colonel Fremont, with Kit Carson as a guide, ac 
companied by fifteen men, in what may be called 
light marching order, followed along the Thomp- 
ion river some miles, directly west, then struck north 
about thirty miles, to the Cache le Poudre river. 
This stream they followed up in a northwesterly 
direction some sixty miles, through a ravine in the 



THE RETURN OF THE EXPEDITION. 23^ 

mountains, till they reached the head waters of the 
Laramie river. They then pushed on in a still north- 
westerly direction, under the eastern brows of the 
Rocky mountains, through a somewhat broken, 
though prairie country, two hundred miles, to the 
Sweetwater river. 

They then pressed on, two or three hundred miles 
directly west, through the south pass of the Rocky 
mountains, along the route now followed by the Cen- 
tral Pacific Railroad, to Soda Springs, on Bear river. 
From this point Kit Carson was sent, with one com- 
panion and a relay of mules, about forty miles in a 
northwesterly direction to Fort Hall, on Snake river, 
to obtain supplies. He was directed to meet the 
remaining party at the extreme end of the Great Salt 
Lake. As usual he successfully accomplished hi» 
mission and rejoined his companions. 

The whole body then journeyed down the east- 
ern shores of this immense inland sea, about twenty 
miles. They were delighted with the beauty of the 
scenery opening before them, and were very busy in 
taking observations and exploring the country 
through which they passed. Far out in the lake 
there was seen a very attractive and densely wooded 
island. Colonel Fremont had with him an India rub* 
ber boat, which, with inflated air chambers, was very 
buoyant. Improvidently the plates of the boat had 



234 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

been gummed together only, instead of being also 
sewed. Thus the boat was very frail and could not 
endure the strain of a heavy sea. 

It was the latter part of August, 1843, when Colo- 
nel Fremont encamped on these shores. Though 
this was but thirty years ago, that now quite popu- 
lous region, had then been visited only by trappers 
in search of beaver streams. Colonel Fremont de- 
cided to visit the island. He selected a pleasant 
spot for encampment, in a grove on one of the banks 
of Bear river, near its entrance into the lake. He 
felled timber so as to make a large pen for the ani- 
mals. He then erected a rude fort, which-would pro- 
tect the company from any ordinary band of In- 
dians. The boat was repaired with gum, and the air 
chambers inflated. Game was found to be scarce, and 
their provisions were about exhausted. He therefore 
sent back one half his party to Fort Hall for supplies. 

Leaving two or three to guard the fort and the 
horses, Colonel Fremont, with Carson and three 
other men, set out on their expedition to explore the 
island. It was a very beautiful morning, the eighth of 
September. Slowly they floated down the romantic 
stream, frequently stopping to get a shot at the wild 
geese and ducks they met on their way. It was not 
until the edge of the evening that they reached th« 
outlet of the river. 



THE RETURN OF THE EXPEDITION. 235 

They encamped in a small willow grove, where 
they found an abundance of drift-wood for their 
camp fire. The game they had taken furnished their 
supper. They made for themselves soft beds of the 
tender willow twigs, and in a mild atmosphere, be- 
neath a starlit sky, slept soundly till morning. The 
voices of millions of waterfowl, around them, did not 
disturb their slumbers. 



CHAPTER XII. 

Marches and Battles, 

entering the Lake. — Dangerous Navigation. — The Return to Camp.— 
Feast upon Horse Flesh. — Meeting the Indians. — Joyful Meeting 
— Return to Fort Hall. — Feasting at the Fort.— The Party Di 
minished. — The Journey down Snake River. — Crossing the Sierra 
Nevada. — Carson Rescues Fremont. — Fort Suiter. — Heroic 
Achievement of Carson. — Disbanding the Party. — The third Ex- 
pedition. — Crossing the Desert. — Threatened by the Mexicans. — 
Fight with the Indians. — The Surprise. — Chastisement of the 
Indians. 

The morning of the ninth of September dawned 
upon our voyagers remarkably serene and beautiful 
They hurried through breakfast to make an early 
start. The water was found so shallow, at the mouth 
of the river, that it would not float the boat. They 
were compelled to take off their clothes and wade 
through the soft mud for the distance of a mile, drag- 
ging the boat, when they came to deep wat*er. The 
whole wide marshy expanse seemtd to be covered 
with waterfowl of every description, filling the aif 
with their discordant voices. Tlunigh it was calm, 
there was quite a heavy swell upon the ocean-like 
lake. The waters were of crystal clearness, though 



MARCHES Ax\D BATTLES. 237 

to thoroughly saturated with salt that the spiay left 
a saline crust upon the clothing. 

They reached the island and ascended its loftiest 
peak which was about eight hundred feet high. It 
Is almost certain that never since the creation had a 
white man's foot trod that summit. 

** As we looked," writes Colonel Fremont, " ovei 
the vast expanse of water spread out beneath us, and 
strained our eyes along the silent shore, over which 
hung so much doubt and uncertainty, I could hardly 
repress the desire to continue our exploration. But 
the lengthening snow on the mountains, spreading 
farther and farther, was a plain indication of the ad- 
vancing season, and our frail linen boat appeared so 
insecure that I was unwilling to trust our lives to the 
uncertainties of the lake. I therefore unwillingly re- 
solved to terminate our survey here and to remain 
satisfied for the present with what we had been able 
to add to the unknown geography of the region. We 
felt also pleasure in remembering that we were the 
first who, in the traditionary annals of the country, 
had visited the island and broken with the cheerful 
sound of human voices, the long solitude of the 
place. 

" Out of the drift-wood on the beach, we made 
ourselves pleasant little lodges, open to the water, 
and, after having kindled large fires, to excite the 



238 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

wonder of any straggling savage on the lake shores^ 
lay down, for the first time in a long journey, in per- 
fect security, no one thinking about his arms. The 
evening was extremely bright and pleasant. But the 
wind rose during the night, and the waves began to 
break heavily, making our island tremble. I had not 
expected, in our inland journey, to hear the roar of 
an ocean surf. The strangeness of our situation, 
and the excitement we felt, in the associated inter- 
ests of the place, m.ade this one of the most interest- 
ing nights I remember during our long expedition." 

The next morning they set out at an early hour, 
on their return to the main land, about nine miles 
distant. When they had rowed about three miles 
the clouds gathered, menacing a storm, and a strong 
wind rose, blowing directly against them. The 
heavy sea which they encountered caused a leakage 
in the air chambers of the boat, and they were in 
imminent danger of finding a grave in the bottom of 
the lake. It was with much difficulty that a man, 
stationed at the bellows, suppHed the chamber with 
air as fast as it escaped. 

At length they effected a landing on marshy 
ground, about nine miles from the encampment. 
Two men were immediately dispatched to the camp 
to bring horses to take back the boat and baggage. 

** The rude looking shelter," Arrites Colonel Fre 



MARCHES AiND BATTLEb, 239 

moot, " we raised on the shore, our scatteied baggage 
and boat lying on the beach made quite a picture. 
We called this the fisherman's camp." 

The horses arrived in the afternoon. It was thea 
blowing such a gale that a man could hardly stand 
against it. The water of the lake was rapidly rising, 
forced in by the wind. Very hurriedly they packed 
their baggage and had scarcely left the spot ere it 
was entirely submerged. They reached the camp 
irv the edge of the evening, just in time to escape a 
thunder storm, which blackened the sky and deluged 
the earth with rain. The next day they remained at 
the camp, and boiled down five gallons of lake water 
which yielded fourteen pints of very fine white salt 
The ensuing morning was calm and beautiful, as is 
almost invariably the cast;* during the summer and 
autumnal months, throughout all that region. 

They now commenced their return by the same 
route they had already traversed, ascending the 
valley of the Bear river towards the north. Day 
after day they journeyed on, without meeting much 
game, and their supply of food was nearly exhau£*-ed. 
All the party seemed low-spirited, and trudged along 
in silence. Scarcely a word was spoken. On the 
night of the fourteenth they encamped on the bank 
of a crystal stream. It was a lovely evening, serene 
and mild. But the company seemed very forlorn 



-240 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

from hunger. Colonel Fremont therefore consented 
that a fat young horse, which he had purchased of 
the Indians, should be killed for food. As the conr^- 
pany gathered around their brilliant camp-fires, 
feasted on the savory horse steak, the customary 
o^ood-humor and gayety were restored. 

The next day, as they were still ascending the 
valley, they came upon two families of Snake Indians 
who were gathering herbs and roots. The berries 
they were drying on buffalo robes. These two 
families had twelve or fifteen horses grazing around 
their encampment. Soon after this they encountered 
a solitary Indian, who had an antelope which he had 
killed. They purchased the antelope and encamped 
early to enjoy the rich feast. While they were 
protracting the pleasures of their repast, a messenger 
came galloping into their camp saying that Mr. Fitz- 
patrick was within a few miles of them, with an 
ample supply of provisions. They could scarcely 
sleep that night for joy. The next morning before 
sunrise they were on the move and soon rejoined 
their friends. Together they continued their journey 
to the northward, encountering several lodges of 
Snake Indians; of whom they purchased about a 
bushel of dried berries. 

Leaving the valley of the Bear river they crossed 
over to Snake river, or as it is sometimes called 



MARCHES AND BATTLES. 24I 

Lewis's Fork of the Columbia river. On their way 
they met an Indian family on horseback, who had 
been gathering what are called service berries. At 
night fires were seen burning all along the mountain, 
sides, indicating numerous encampments of the 
Indians. But they were all friendly, and the weary 
voyagers slept with a very happy and grateful sense 
of security. On the eighteenth they entered the 
spacious valley of the Snake river, near its upper 
waters. The next morning the snow began to fall 
and it continued snowing all day. 

They were now very near Fort Hall. They 
therefore encamped, and Colonel Fremont rode up 
to the fort and purchased several horses, and five fat 
oxen. The arrival of the oxen, giving promise of 
such gooS cheer, was received with shouts of joy. 
Though night came down upon the wanderers, cold 
and stormy, rousing fires and smoking steaks made 
all happy. 

For several days the party remained in their 
encampment. They had journeyed from the frontier 
of Missouri, thirteen hundred and twenty-three 
miles. Though winter had come on thus early, and 
both game and forage were known to be scarce along 
the route they were about to travel. Colonel Fre- 
mont decided to continue his explorations, regardless 
of ice and cold. He thought it, however, expedient 



242 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

to diminish the number of his party. AcCiirdingly 
he assembled the men, informed them of his inten- 
tion, and of the great h'udships to which they would 
doubtless be exposed. Thus he persuaded eleven 
men to withdraw from the expedition, and return to 
the States. 

With the lessened party, about twenty in number, 
Colonel Fremont recommenced his journey, on the 
twenty-second of September, down the valley of the 
river towards the mouth of the Columbia. We have 
not space here to record the many interesting events 
of this journey. The Colonel bears constant and 
affectionate testimony to the services rendered by 
Kit Carson. After travelling six or seven hundred 
miles, they reached Fort Dalles, then passing directly 
south, through the very heart of the Oregon terri- 
tory, they made a thorough exploration of Klamath 
Lake, to its extreme southern border. 

Thence they started for California. It was neces- 
sary to cross a ridge of the Sierra Nevada mountains. 
The snow was six feet deep on a level. The toils 
and sufferings of the men were dreadful. There was 
neither game nor forage to be found. Many of the 
mules died of starvation. One incident, which 
occurred during this dreadful march, we give in the 
words of Colonel Fremont. Under date of February 
23d he writes : 



MARCHES AND BATTLES. 243 

" This was our most difficult day. We were forced 
off the ridges, by the quantity of snow among the 
timber, and obliged to take to the mountain sides, 
where occasionally rocks and a southern exposure 
afforded us a chance to scramble along. But thesr. 
were steep, and slippery with snow and ice, and the 
tough evergreens of the mountain impeded our way, 
tore our skins, and exhausted our patience. Some 
of us had the misfortune to wear moccasins, with 
soles of buffalo hide, so slippery that we could not 
keep our feet, and generally we crawled along the 
snow beds. Axes and mauls were necessary to make 
a road through the snow. 

" Going ahead with Carson, to reconnoitre the 
foad, we reached, this afternoon, the river which 
made the outlet of the lake. Carson sprang over, 
clear across a place where the stream was compressed 
among the rocks. But the sole of my moccasin 
glanced from the icy rock, and precipitated me into 
the river. It was some few seconds before I could 
recover myself in the current, and Carson thinking 
tne hurt, jumped in after me, and we both had an 
toy bath. We tried to search a while for my gun, 
which had been lost in the fall, but the cnld drove 
■us out. Making a large fire on the bank, after we 
had partially dried ourselves, we went back to meet 
the camp. We afterwards found that the gun had 



244 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

been slung under the ice which lined the shores of 
the creek,'* 

Upon reaching the southern declivity of the 
mountains, Fremont and Carson, with six others^ 
pushed ahead to Fort Sutter where, it will be re- 
membered, the gold of California was first discovered,. 
The whole party reacht^d the fort on the sixth of 
March, 1844. These extraordinary men, in the 
depths of winter, had travelled from Fort Hall about 
two thousand miles. They remained at the Fort re- 
cruiting but a fortnight. A braver enterprise history 
does not record. Its successful accomplishment sent 
the name of John C. Fremont, its leader, on the 
wings of fame, throughout the civilized world. We 
have no space to record the vastly important results 
accomplished by this exploration. 

Upon leaving the fort, on their return towards the 
States, they met a Mexican and a little boy, who 
were in great destitution and grief. They had been 
left with a band of six, among whom were the boy's 
father and m.other, to watch their animals grazing in 
a fertile meadow. They were suddenly attacked by 
a party of thirty I idians, who either captured or kill- 
ed all of the party except the man and the boy, who 
fortunately escaped. The Indians fled with theii 
booty. The pooi boy was overwhelmed with grieC 



MARCHES AND BATTLES. 245 

He had every reason tc feai that bot'i of his parents 
were dead. 

Kit Carson's heart was touched. He proposed to 
Richard Godoy, an experienced and noble-hearted 
mountaineer, that they two should pursue the thirty 
Indian warriors, rescue the captives, and regain the 
animals. They soon struck the Indian trail and fol- 
lowed it nearly all the night. The Indians, not ap- 
prehensive of pursuit, were travelling leisurely. To- 
wards morning, Carson and his companion halted for 
■m hour or two, to allow their horses to graze and 
to get a little sleep. At daybreak they were again^ 
in the saddle, and just at sunrise discovered the In- 
dians in a snug little valley, feasting luxuriously up- 
on horse-steaks. They had already killed five of the 
stolen animals. 

These two men immediately charged, with a loud 
shout, upon the thirty warriors. The savages were 
taken utterly by surprise, and thrown into a panic.- 
Cai son's practiced eye selected the chief, who in- 
stantly fell pierced through the heart by a bullet 
from Carson's rifle. Godoy missed his aim, but in- 
stantly reloading, another warrior dropped in hii 
blood. The Indians, not doubting that the two were 
but the advance party of a strong force, fled with 
precipitation, abandoning everything. Deliberately 
Carson collected the horses, counted them and found 



146 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

that they had tnem all, excepting the five the thievea 
had killed. 

They then followed the trail back to the spot 
srhere the savages had attacked the Mexicans. The 
captives had all been killed and their bodies had 
been shockingly mangled. Carson and his heroic 
companion, with fifteen horses, rejoined the camp. 
The property was at once restored to the Mexicans 
without any remuneration whatever being received 
by either of these men for their exploit. They had 
been absent from the camp thirty hours, and had 
ridden over a hundred miles. 

The march was now resumed and, after a tedious 
journey of many leagues, they reached Fort Bent on 
the second of July, where the exploring party was 
disbanded. Colonel Fremont proceeded to Wash- 
ington. Kit Carson returned to Taos. Thinking 
that he had had enough of wandering, he decided to 
become a farmer, that he might reside at home with 
his family. He purchased quite a large tract of land 
a little out from the straggling village of Taos, and 
commenced farming upon a pretty large scale. 

As he was very busy erecting his buildings and 
breaking up the soil, an express arrived from Colo- 
nel Fremont, stating that he was about to set out on a 
third exploring tour and that he should depend upon 
Mr. Carson's accompanying him. He also reminded 



MARCHES AND BATTl ES. 24^ 

him of a promise once given that he would be eve! 
ready to heed such a call. 

Mr. Carson had made large investments in build- 
ings, stock, farming utensils, etc. With Mr. Owens, 
who had been his companion on a former trip, Mr, 
Carson set out for Fort Bent, where he met with a 
ver>' cordial welcome from Colonel Fremont. We 
cannot follow the party, in its long and adventurous 
wanderings, along the ravines, across the prairies, 
and over the mountains, until they reached the 
lower extremity of the Great Salt Lake. Before 
them towards the west spread out a vast desert, of 
unknown extent. No white man had ever crossed 
it. Colonel Fremont decided that it was his duty to 
explore it. His men were always ready to follow 
their bold chieftain. 

Kit Carson and three ethers were sent forward 
to mark out the road by their trail. Should they 
find grass and water, they were to build a fire, the 
smoke of which would convey the joyful intelligence 
to Colonel Fremont, who was watching, spy-glass in 
hand, from a neighboring eminence. For sixty miles 
they travelled without finding a drop of water, or a 
blade of grass. Then suddenly they came upon 
both in abundance ; an oasis in the desert. 

Carson built a rousing fire, piling on the green 
Wood to make as much smoke as possible. Notwith* 



243 CHRISTC^HiCR CARSOK. 

standing the great distance, the glass of Fremont 
discerned the billowy signal, ascending through the 
serene skies. His party v/as at once put in motion, 
and after a weary march reached their companions. 
Ther therce pressed on to Sutter's Fort, where 
they could only obtain moderate supplies. On the 
trip they had divided into two parties and one of 
them had wandered and got lost. Mr. Carson was 
sent to hunt them up. With his usual skill and 
promptitude, he accomplished his mission, and 
brought the lost party safely to the fort. They then 
directed their course to Monterey, on the sea coast, 
where they could obtain all they needed. When 
within thirty miles of the place, an express arrived 
from General Castro, the Mexican commander of the 
territory, ordering Colonel Fremont and his party 
to leave the country or he would compel them to 
do so. 

Instead of obeying this order. Colonel Fremont, 
with but forty men under his command, immediately 
selected a good military position, and prepared for a 
defence. General Castro soon appeared with several 
hundred troops, infantry, cavalry and artillery, and 
established himself within a few hundred yards of 
the Fremont camp. The two parties watched each 
other for three days. Colonel Fremont then, satisfied 
that the Mexicans would not assume the offensive 



MARCHES AND BATTLES. 249. 

and that it would be rash to attempt to force his way 
against so powerful a foe, turned his steps north to 
the Sacramento river, and thence to the mouth ol 
the Columbia. 

On the route they met a thousand Indian waf' 
riors. They were armed only with arrows and jave- 
lins. A fierce battle ensued. The Indians were re- 
pelled with heavy loss. Mr. Carson thinks that ia 
that conflict, they became convinced that with their 
weapons, they could never hope to vanquish the 
rifle-armed white men. Upon this trip they also 
learned that war had broken out between the United 
States and Mexico. The express which brought 
this intelligence informed Fremont that a United 
States officer was in the rear, with a few men in 
imminent peril. 

Colonel Fremont took Carson and ten other 
picked men, and hastened to the rescue. Mr. Car- 
son himself gives the following account of a tragic 
scene which soon took place. The narrative was 
given in a letter published in the Washington Union 
of June, 1847: 

^* Mr. Gillespie had brought the Colonel letters 

from home and he was up, and kept a large fire 

burning until after midnight. This was the only 

night, in all our travels, except the one night on the 

island in Salt Lake, that we failed to keep guard 
II* 



«50 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

As the men were so tired and we expected no at- 
tack now that we had sixty in the party, the Colonel 
did not Hke to ask it of them, but sat up late himself 
Owens and I were sleeping together, and we were 
waked at the same time by the licks of the axe that 
killed our men. At first I did not know it was that, 
but I called to Basil who was on that side : 

" What's the matter there ? What's that fusj 
about ? " 

" He never answered for he was dead then, poor 
fellow, and he never knew what killed him. His head 
had been cut in, in his sleep. The Delawares, we 
had four with us, were sleeping at that fire, and they 
sprang up as the Klamaths charged them. One of 
them caught up a gun which was unloaded, but 
although he could do no execution he kept them at 
bay like a soldier, and did not give up till he was 
shot full of arrows, three entering his heart. 

" As soon as I had called out I saw it was Indians 
in the camp, and I and Owens cried out together, 
* Indians.' There were no orders given, things went 
on too fast, and the Colonel had men with him that 
did not need to be told their duty. The Colonel and 
I, Maxwell, Owens, Godey and Stepp juTiped 
together and went to the assistance of our Dela- 
wares. 

" I dont know who fired first and who didn't ; but 



MARCHES AND BATTLES. 2$! 

I think it was Stepp's shot that killed the Klamath 
chief; for it was at the crack of Stepp's gun that he 
fell. He had an English half-axe slung to his wri'jt 
by a cord, and there were forty arrows left in hig 
quiver; the most beautiful and warlike arrows I ever 
saw. He must have been the bravest man among 
them, from the way he was armed, and judging from 
his cap. 

" When the Klamaths saw him fall, they ran ; but 
we lay, every man with his rifle cocked, until 
daylight, expecting another attack. In the morning 
we found, by the tracks, that from fifteen to twenty 
of the Klamaths had attacked us. They had killed 
three of our men and wounded one of the Delawares, 
who scalped the chief, whom they left where he fell. 

" Our dead men we carried on mules ; but after 
going about ten miles we found it impossible to get 
them any farther through the thick timber. And 
finding a secret place we buried them under logs and 
chunks, having no way to dig a grave. It was only 
a few days before this, that some of these same 
Indians had come into our camp ; and although we 
had only meat for two days and felt sure that wc 
should have to eat mules for ten or fifteen days to 
come, the Colonel divided with them, ^nd even had 
a mule unpacked to give them somf tobacco and 
knives *' 



2$2 CHKlSTOItlKK CARSON. 

In consequence of the war declared between the 
United States and Mexico, Colonel Fremont thought 
it expedient to return to California. He judged it 
however, to be necessary first, as a lesson to the 
savages, to punish them severely for their wanton 
murder of his men. Kit Carson, at the head of ten 
chosen mountaineers, was sent forward in search of 
their strongholds. If he discovered them without 
being seen himself he was to return for reinforre*. 
ments. If seen he was to act as he thought best. 

He soon discovered an Indian trail, and followed 
it to an Indian encampment of fifty lodges, contain- 
ing one hundred and fifty warriors. The agitation in 
the camp evidenced that the Indians had obtained 
warning of danger. Carson decided to attack them 
instantly, in the midst of their confusion. The 
Indians for a moment made a bold stand. But as 
bullet after bullet pierced them, from the invisible 
missiles of their foe, whom they could not reach with 
arrows, they turned in a panic and fled. Mr. Carson 
wishing to inflict chastisement which would not soon 
be forgotten, ordered all their valuables to be col- 
lected in their lodges and then applied the torch. 
The flames leaped high in the air and in an hour 
nothing remained of the Indian village, but glowing 
embers and the bodies of their dead warriors. 

Colonel Fremont saw the smoke of the conflagra* 



MARCHES AND BATTLES. 253 

tion and understood its significance. He hastened 
forward and joined Carson. But it was thought that 
the Indians had not yet received the punishment 
which their crime deserved. The whole party then 
moved on together for several miles, to a secluded 
encampment. 

Mr. Carson said that the warriors would certainly 
return to view the ruins of their village and to bury 
their dead. Twenty men were consequently sent 
back to lie in ambush. At midnight fifty savages 
were seen in the bright moonlight, approaching their 
ruined homes. Some alarm caused them precipi- 
tately to retreat. Carson was a little in advance 
with Colonel Fremont. He saw one solitary warrior 
separate from the rest. Spurring upon the savage 
at the distance of not ten paces he endeavored to 
shoot him, when his gun missed fire. He was now 
apparently at the mercy of the Indian, who had 
already with sinewy arm, drawn an arrow to the 
feather to pierce the body of his foe. 

Fremont was mounted on a very powerful and 
spirited charger. He plunged the rowels of his 
spurs into the animal, when the noble horse made 
one or two frantic leaps, knocked down the Indian 
and trampled over him. The arrow of the savage 
flew wide of its mark. The next moment a rifle ball 
pierced his heart, and he lay quivering in death. 



254 CHRIbTOPHER CARSON. 

The party now pressed on to the Sacramento 
river. I'he Klamath warriors dogged their path, 
watching for an opportunity to take them at advan- 
tage. One day Carson and Godey, who were a lit- 
tie separated from the rest of the company, came 
quite unexpectedly upon a band of these warriors 
and instantly charged upon them. One Indian only 
was too proud to fly. He took his position behind 
a rock and as soon as the two white men came with- 
in shooting distance, he let fly his arrows with great 
force and rapidity. 

After dodging these arrows for some time, Carson 
mounted and crept through concealment, till he ob- 
tained good aim at the savage. There was a sharp 
report of the rifle, and the Indian was dead. Carson 
took from him a beautifully wrought bow and a 
quiver still containing a number of arrows. But the 
savages still continued to hover around their traJO 
without venturing upon any attack. 



CHAPTER XIII 

The Dispatch Bearer, 

Colonel Fremont.— Hazardous Undertaking of Kit Carson.— Carson's 
Courage and Prudence. — Threatened Danger. — Interview witk 
General Kearney, and Results. — Severe Skirmish. — Wonderful 
Escape of Carson. — Daring Adventure. — Fearful Suffering. — 
Lieutenant Beale. — Carson's Journey to Washington. — Adven- 
tures on his Return. 

Our explorers now pressed on for twenty-four 
hours without encountering any molestation, though 
they saw many indications that the Indians were 
hovering about their track. Hungry and weary, 
they reached Fort Lawson, on the Sacramento river, 
where they tarried for a week to recruit. They then 
followed down the river some distance, to the well- 
known camping-grounds, ^' The Buttes.'* 

War between the United States and Mexico was 
in active operation. Colonel Fremont took the re- 
sponsibility of capturing a weak Mexican post near 
by, at Sonoma, where he obtained several cannon and 
some small arms. His explorers being thus virtually 
resolved into an army, he marched, with Kit Carson 
as nominal Lieutenant, for the capture of Monterey. 



256 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

Before he reached there, the city was take.i by an 
Ameiican squadron under Commodore Sloat. Colo- 
nel Fremont obtained a ship to convey him, with 
his fast friend Kit Carson, and one hundred and fifty 
bold mountaineers, who had attached themselves to 
his fortunes, a few hundred miles down the coast, to 
San Diego. Thence he marched upon Los Angelos. 

It was becoming important to have some com- 
munication with Washington. To send dispatches 
around by the cape, required a voyage of weary 
months. To reach the capital by land, it was neces- 
sary to traverse an almost pathless wilderness four 
thousand miles in extent. Whoever should under- 
take such an enterprise, must not only live upon such 
food as he could pick up by the way, but also be ex- 
posed to attack from innumerable bands of hostile 
savages, urged on by still more hostile Mexicans. 

On the fifteenth of September, 1846, Kit Carson 
undertook this hazardous enterprise. He was placed 
in command of fifteen picked men. The utmost vigi- 
lance was necessary every step of the way. He was 
instructed to make the journey in sixty days. For 
two days, he pressed on his way without molestation. 
The third day, he came suddenly in view of a large 
encampment of Apache Indians. Each party discov- 
ered the other at the same moment. There was in- 
stantly great commotion in the Indian camp; the 



THE DISPATCH BEARER. 257 

w^arricrs running to and fro in preparation for a 
fight. 

Mr. Carson, acquainted with their language, and 
also familiar with all their customs, saw at once that 
his only safety consisted in reckless courage. He 
halted his little band, and assuming an air of entire 
unconcern, rode forward till he came within speaking 
distance, and of course within arrow distance of hun- 
dreds of plumed and painted warriors. He was en- 
tirely at their mercy. They might instantly pierce 
him, and almost bury him beneath a shower of ar- 
rows. The chief of the white men being thus killed, 
the rest of the party would fall easily a prey to their 
overpowering numbers. Carson shouted out to 
them: 

" I come to you as a friend, and I ask for a 
parley." 

Two or three warriors then came forward and 
with the usual preliminaries, held a brief conference. 
They could without any difficulty have seized upon 
Carson and held him as a hostage. But he knew 
that his only possible safety was in this apparent act 
of desperation. Having smoked the pipe of peace, 
he said to them : 

" We come to you as friendly travellers, seeking 
only a passage through your country. We come to 
you as brothers, presenting the clive branch of peace 



/258 CHRISTOPHER CARSON 

Wc do not wish to harm you. We ask only for youi 
friendship. Our animals are weary. We would ex- 
change them for those that are fresh. We will pay 
you well for the exchange.'' 

If that be eloquence which moves the heart, this 
was eloquence. It changed the hearts of the Indians. 
Friendly demonstrations immediately took the place 
of preparations for a bloody fight. Carson pitched 
his camp at a short distance from the Apaches. 
His prudence, as well as his courage, was developed. 
He selected a site where in case of treachery, he 
could make a vigorous defence. Every man had rifle, 
revolver, and knife. Every man was instructed, 
while assuming an air of entire trust in the Indians, 
to be constantly on the watch. There was to be no 
surrender. In case of attack, every man was to sell 
his life as dearly as possible. Tlxe calm, self-possessed, 
invincible spirit of this wonderful man was infused 
into all his followers. Fifteen such men with rifles, 
revolvers, and knives, would make terrible havoc 
among a crowd of Indian warriors, before they could 
all be cold in death. 

As soon as the camp was arranged, the Indiana 
were allowed to come in. They smoked and feasted, 
and traded together, in the most friendly manner. 
Carson remounted all his men on fresh and vigorous 



THE DISPATCH BEARE:1. 2^^ 

gteeds. The next morning he went on his way 
rejoicing. 

Nearly a month passed away, as this heroic little 
band, with tireless diligence, pressed along their path- 
less route towards the rising sun. With the utmost 
caution, Mr. Carson avoided the Indian trails, mak- 
ing a path for himself. He would often make a wide 
circuit, that he might not cross hunting grounds 
where his experience taught him that Indian hunt- 
ing bands would probably be encountered. 

It was a bright and beautiful morning, the sixth 
of October, that they entered upon the western edge 
of a smooth, treeless prairie extending to the east as 
far as the eye could reach. Soon after the morning 
sun began to flood that ocean of waving flowers with 
its rays, the keen eye of Carson discerned in the ex- 
treme east, a small speck, like the sail of a ship at 
sea. He watched it, it moved. Slowly it increased 
in size. It soon developed itself into the front of a 
numerous band of warriors. His anxiety was great. 
It was not wise to attempt flight over the boundless 
I)rairie. 

As the column drew nearer, he discovered to hia 
gjreat joy that it was a detachment c C United States 
troops. The expedition had been sent out by the 
government, to operate under General Kearney, in 
California. As the two parties met. General Kear- 



260 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

ney sent for Mr. Carson^ and after a little conversa 
tion with him, decided to entrust his dispatches to 
Mr. Fitzpatrick, to convey them to Washington, 
while he should attach Mr. Carson to his staff as a 
guide, of which he stood greatly in need. Upon in- 
forming Mr. Carson of this his decision, the modest 
reply of the pioneer was, '' As the General thinks 
best.'' 

Mr. Carson now was invested with the responsi- 
ble office of guiding the footsteps of this army over 
these almost boundless plains. This duty he so per- 
formed as to receive the highest commendation of 
General Kearney. And his dignified character was 
such as to win the confidence and respect of every 
man in the army. The worst of men can often ap- 
preciate high moral excellence. 

Early in December the army had reached Califor- 
nia, and were approaching San Diego. On the 
sixth, the scouts brought the news that a numerous 
party of Mexicans were strongly intrenched a few 
miles before them, to dispute their passage. Fifteen 
men were sent forward as an advanced guard, under 
the guidance of Kit Carson, to drive in the outposts, 
and capture any loose animals which might be found. 
A very fierce battle ensued. These Californian Mex- 
icans developed a degree of bravery and determina. 



THE DISPATCH BEARER. ^1 

lion totally unexpected, and which could not have 
oeen exceeded. 

Quite a number of troops had come up to assist 
in carrying an important post. In addition to the 
fifteen men with Carson, there were two companies 
of United States dragoons, and twenty-five California 
volunteers. These determined men, all well mount- 
ed, formed a very imposing column for the charge, 
Mr. Carson was in the front rank of the column. 
As the horses were plunging forward upon the foe, 
Mr. Carson's horse, from some inequahty in the 
ground, fell, throwing his rider over his head with 
such violence as to break his gun-stock in several 
pieces. Carson was slightly stunned by the fall, and 
the whole troop of horse galloped over him. It 
seems a miracle that he was not trampled to death. 
Though severely bruised, no bones were broken. 

Upon recovering, and finding his own gun use- 
less, he looked around and saw a dead dragoon. 
Seizing his gun, he rushed forward into the thickest 
of the fight. It is probable that the fall of his horse 
iaved his life. Nearly the whole of the head of the 
charging column was cut off by the bullets of the foe. 
The Mexicans *vere soon driven from their post, and 
fled on swift horses. But the Americans suffered 
terribly. Large numbers were killed. 

The Mexicans soon rallied with reinforcement* 



«62 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

and resumed the battle. The advanced guard of tht 
Americans was driven back and compelled to act up» 
on the defensive. We have not space here to give, 
in detail, the victories and defeats of these fierce 
conflicts. Most of these California Mexicans were 
of the bravest blood of Spain. And they fought as 
if determined to perpetuate their ancestral renown 

When near San Diego, Kearney's force was sur- 
rounded by three or four times its number, and 
were starving. The men were feeding upon the 
mules. Even that resource seemed almost exhaust- 
ed. The utter ruin of the army seemed inevitable. 
A council of war was held. Carson was present. 
He was a man of few words. When he spoke, all 
listened. In his soft, feminine voice he said : 

" I think I may be able to creep in the nighty 
through the Mexican lines. I can hasten then to San 
Diego, and inform Commodore Stockton of our peril 
He will hasten to the rescue. I am willing to try." 

Immediately Lieutenant Beale, of the United 

States Navy, one of the most heroic of men, added, 

* I will go with him." General Kearney accepted 

the noble offer. In its desperation was his only 

hope. 

The camp was encircled by three concentric rows 
of sentinels. They were mounted, and rode inces- 
santly to and fro, through their short patrols. Nighl 



THE DISPATCH BEARER. 263 

came. It was dark. Carson and Beale crept out 
from the camp, on their hands and feet, feeHng fof 
the tall grass, the slight depressions in the ground, 
the shade of the thickets. They had shoes instead 
of moccasins. As they crept along foot by foot in 
breathlcos silence, the stiff soles of the shoes would 
sometimes hit a stone or a stick, and make a slight 
noise. They drew off their shoes and pushed them 
under their belts. Occasionally they were within a 
few feet of the sentinels, whom they could dimly dis- 
cern. 

They haa passed the first Hne of sentinels, and 
the second, and were just beginning to breathe a 
little more freely when a sentinel rode up to within a 
few feet of the spot where they were lying still as 
death, and but slightly concealed in the tall grass. 
By daylight they would have been instantly seen. 
To their terror the sentinel was mounted, and alight- 
ing with flint and steel began to strike a light to in- 
dulge in the comfort of his pipe. The flame of a piece 
of paper would reveal them. The suspense was terrible. 
So still did they lie and so intense were their inward 
th robbings that Mr. Carson afterwards affirmed that 
he could actually hear Lieutenant Beale's heart 
pulsate. 

Providentially the Mexican lighted his pipe, and 
lemounting rode in the other direction. For a dis- 



204 CHRTSTOPTTER CARSON. 

tance of nearly two miles Carson and Beale thus 
crept along, working their way through the Mexican 
lines. Having left the last sentinel behind them, 
they regained their feet and felt for their shoes. 
They were gone. Thus far they had not inter- 
changed even a whisper. Though the worst peril 
was now over, they had still many dangers to 
encounter, and fearful suffering. It would not do to 
advance upon San Diego by any of the well-trodden 
trails, all of which were closely watched by the 
enemy's scouts. Carson chose a circuitous route 
over rocks and hills, where their feet were dreadfully 
lacerated by the prickly pear. 

All the next day, with feet torn and bleeding, 
they toiled along, feeding upon whatever they could 
find, which would in the sHghtest degree appease 
che gnawings of hunger. Another night spread its 
gloom around them. Still onward was the march 
of our heroes. About midnight, Carson discovered, 
from a slight eminence, the dim outline of the houses 
in San Diego. They approached the American 
sentinels, announced themselves as friends, and were 
conducted to Commodore Stockton. He immedi- 
ately dispatched one hundred and seventy men with 
a heavy piece of ordnance, and with directions to 
inarch day and night, for the relief of Kearney. 

The Mexicans hearing of their approach, knowing 



THE DISPATCH BEARER. 265 

that they would be attacked both in front and rear 
fled. Kearney and his army were saved. Carscfl 
and Beale had rescued them. 

The main army of the Mexicans was now at Los 
Angrlos, about a hundred and twenty miles north 
from San Diego. They had a strongly intrenched 
camp there ; garrisoned by about seven hundred 
men. Kearney and Fremont united their forces to 
attack them. Carson was again with his friend Fre- 
mont. The Mexicans were driven away, and the 
American army took up its winter quarters during 
two or three cold and dreary months. 

In the month of March, 1847, Mr. Carson was 
directed to carry important dispatches to Washing- 
ton. Lieutenant Beale, who never recovered from 
the hardships he encountered in his flight to San 
Diego, was permitted to accompany him. As we 
have mentioned, it was a journey of four thousand 
miles. It was accomplished in three months. In 
reference to this adventure Mr Carson writes: 

'* Lieutenant Beale went with me as bearer of 
dispatches, intended for the Navy Department. 
During the first twenty days of our journey he was 
so weak that I had to lift him on and off his riding 
animal. I did not think for some time that he could 
live, but I bestowed as much care and attention on 
him as any one could have done, under the circunv 
12 



266 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

stances. Before the fatiguing and dangeroas part 
of our route was passed over, he had so far recovered 
as to be able to take care of himself. 

" For my attention, which was only my duty to 
tny friend, I was doubly repaid, by the kindness 
shown to me by his family while 1 staid in Washing- 
ton, which was more than I had any reason for ex- 
pecting, and which will never be forgotten by me." 

On this expedition. Kit Carson was provided 
with a guard of ten or twelve picked men, veteran 
mountaineers. They took an extremely southern 
route. Having journeyed about four hundred miles 
without meeting any hostile encounter, they reached 
the Gila, a tributary of the lower Colorado. Here 
Mr. Carson had evidence that a band of hostile In- 
dians, keeping always out of sight, were dogging his 
path, watching for an opportunity to attack him by 
surprise. Their route led over a vast prairie, where 
there were no natural defences. They cooked their 
supper early in the evening, and wrapped in their 
blankets, threw themselves on the grass for sleep. 
Mr. Carson, aware that the cunning Indians might 
be watching all his movements, as soon as it was 
daik, ordered his men to rise, march forward in the 
darkness more than a mile, again to picket their ani- 
mals, and then to arrange their pack-saddles so as to 
protect them from the arrows of the Indians. In 



THE DISPATCH BEARER. 267 

rase cf an attack they were to lie perfectly still and 
not speak a word. It would be of no use to fire, for 
no savage would be within sight. If the Indians 
ventured into the camp, they were then, with rifle 
and revolver and knife, to assail them with the utmost 
desperation. 

At midnight the yell of the savage was heard, 
and a shower of arrows fell around. They had not 
ascertained with accuracy the position of the travel- 
lers. They dared not approach near enough to see, 
for in that case they could be seen, and the bullet 
would certainly strike them. After many random 
shots, and many unearthly yells, the discomfited sav- 
ages fled. They dared not await the dawn of the 
day, when upon the open prairie, their arrows 
would be powerless weapons against rifles. In 
all these journeyings, Mr. Carson was so cautious 
that one not acquainted with his well balanced char- 
acter, might deem him wanting in courage. Not a 
tree, a rock, a bush, or any other place where an Indian 
might hide, escaped his notice. His eye was ever 
scanning the horizon to see if there were any smoke 
indicating an Indian's fire, or any flight of crows 
hovering over a spot where Indians had recently en- 
camped. The giound he was ever watching in 
search of the pressure of the horse's unshod foot, ol 
of the Indian's moccasin. 



268 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

Colonel Fremont had married the daughter of 
Missouri's illustrious Senator, Hon. Thomas H. Ben. 
ton. Mr. Carson, upon his arrival at St. Louis, was 
taken immediately to Mr. Benton's home, where he 
was treated w'th ever}' attention, and where he en- 
joyed the pleasure of an introduction to the most 
distinguished men of the city. As in the continuance 
of his journey he stepped upon the platform of the 
depot in Washington, Mrs. Fremont was therewith 
her carriage, to convey him as a guest to her resi- 
dence. 

In the crowd landing from the cars, Mrs. Fre- 
mont recognized him at once, from the description 
which her husband had given. Mr. Carson remained 
in Washington for several weeks, greatly interested 
in the entirely new world which was open to him 
there. His reputation had gone before him, and 
the very best men in our land honored themselves 
in honoring Christopher Carson. President Polk ap- 
pointed him Lieutenant in the United States Rifle 
Corps. He was then directed to return immediately 
across the continent as bearer of inrportant dis- 
patches. 

Arriving at Fort Leavenworth, in Kansas, he was 
there furnished with an escort of fifty soldiers to 
accompany him across the plain. He reached the 
eastern declivity of the Rocky mountains without 



THE DISPATCH BEARER. 269 

important adventure. Here, at a place called Point 
of Rocks, he overtook a party of United States 
Volunteers, under command of Lieutenant Mulony. 
They were escorting a large train of wagons to New 
Mexico. They encamped not far from each other. 
Just before the break of day a band of Comanche 
Indians made an attack upon the cattle of Mulony's 
party, and got possession of all the oxen and of 
twenty-six horses. 

Mr. Carson, ever on the alert, heard the tumult, 
and made a sudden and impetuous charge upon the 
savages. He recovered all the oxen, but the horses 
were effectually stampeded and lost. But for Mr. 
Carson, the cattle also would have fallen into the 
hands of the Indians, which would have been a great 
calamity. The next day Mr. Carson resumed his 
rapid march and reached Santa Fe in safety. Here 
he left his escort in accordance with orders, and 
hiring sixteen mountaineers, he proceeded on his 
journey. 

Travelling rapidly, he came to Muddy Creek, a 
tributary of Virgin river. Here he suddenly encoun- 
tered a camp of three hundred Indians. He knew 
their reputation as treacherous in the extreme. He 
threw up a little rampart, forbidding the Indians to 
draw too near, and then held a parley ui;der the pro- 
tection of his men. Thoroughly acquainted with 



2JO CHRISTOPHER CAKbun. 

the Indian character, he seemed always to know the 
tone which it was best to assume. Sternly address- 
ing the chiefs, he said : 

" I know your treachery. Your words of friendw 
ihip cannot be believed. Not long ago, you massa- 
cred seven Americans. You wish to gain admission 
to my camp that you may kill us also. I will now 
allow you till midday to be off. If any of you, aftei 
that, are within reach of our rifles you will die.** 

Most of the Indians were overawed by this bold 
talk, and disappeared. A few of the more desperate 
of the warriors lounged about, apparently doubting 
his words. At the designated hour he ordered his 
men to take good aim and fire. Though the Indians 
were at quite a distance, one of the warriors fell 
instantly dead. Four others were severely wounded. 
Soon not a savage was to be seen. Thus fifteen 
men under Carson, vanquished three hundred 
Indians. " Better," said Napoleon, ^' is an army of 
deer led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a 
deer.'* 

Mr. Carson now pressed on to Monterey, and 
delivered his dispatches to Colonel Mason. As 
acting lieutenant in the U. S. army he was placed at 
the head of a company of dragoons, to guard Tajon 
Pass, the main outlet through which robber Indian 
bands conveyed their booty from California to the 



THE DTSPAR! BEARER. zyi 

plains. After spending the winter very .uc4.cssfully 
in the discharge of this duty, he was again ordered 
to proceed to Washington with dispatches. Fiftecu 
men were detailed to escort him on the wpy. 



CHAPTER XI v. 

The Chivalry of the Wilderness 

i[iljiutice of the Government. — Heroic Resolve of Mf. Carson.— 1» 
dian Outrages. — The valley of Razado. — Barbaric Murders by 
Apaches. — An Exciting Chase. — An Attractive Picture Plot of 
Fox Overthrown. — Gift of Messrs. Brevoort and Weatherhead.— 
Adventure with the Cheyennes. 

On this second excursion of Mr. Carson to 
Washington as bearer of dispatches, he learned at 
Santa Fe, that the Senate of the United States had 
refused t? confirm his appointment as Heutenant. It 
was a great wrong. Party spirit then ran high at 
Washington. His friends at Santa Fe advised him 
to resent the wrong, by dehvering his dispatches to 
the officer in command there, saying he could no 
longer serve a government which refused to recognize 
him. His heroic reply was: 

** I have been entrusted with these dispatches. I 
shall try to fulfil the duty thus devolving upon me» 
if it cost me my life. This is service for my coun- 
try. It matters little, whether I perform it as lieu- 
tenanc in the army, or as a mountaineer. I certainly 



THE CHlVAl.kV OF 'HIE W I l.DKRNESS. 2/3 

shall not shrink from duty because the Senate does 
not confirm an appointment which I never sought." 

In the then state of the country, there was per- 
haps not another man who could have conveyed 
those dispatches over the almost boundless plains, 
swarming with hostile Indians. It was well known 
at Santa Fe that the Comanche savages, in bands of 
tv/o or three hundred, were watching the old Santa 
Fe road, for two or three hundred miles, that they 
might murder and rob all who fell into their hands. 

Carson resolved to make a trail of his own. He 
selected but ten men. Pushing directly north, he 
reached a region which the Comanches seldom visit- 
ed. Then changing his route, he struck the Bijoux 
river, and followed it down until within about 
twenty-five miles of its entrance into the Platte. 
He then traversed the plains to Fort Kearney, and 
thence proceeded to Fort Leavenworth without any 
molestation. His men and animals were in fine con- 
dition. His trail, though very circuitous, had led him 
through a country abounding in game, well watered 
and with a succession of rich pastures. Here he dis- 
missed his escort, and proceeded to Washington 
alone. 

Having delivered his dispatches, he immediately 
•et out on his return, and reached his heme in Taos 
in October, 1848. He had not been long at home. 



274 CHRISTOPHER CARSCtN. 

before the Apache Indians in the vicinity vvere conv 
mitting terrible outrages. Colonel Beale, who was 
in command at Taos, learned that a large party of 
the savages were upon the upper waters of the Ar- 
kansas, with quite a number of white prisoners. He 
took two companies of dragoons, and Kit C*|rson aa 
a guide. Upon reaching the river he found two 
hundred Indians who had met there in grand coun- 
cil. The force of armed warriors was so strong, and 
their passions so aroused, that Col. Beale deemed 
it impossible to liberate the captives, who were 
Mexicans, by force. He therefore returned to Taos, 
to resort to the more peaceful operations of diplo- 
macy. 

There was at that time residing at Taos, an old 
mountaineer friend of Kit Carson, by the name of 
Maxwell, who had become quite rich. Fifty miles 
east from Taos, there is one of the most lovely val- 
leys in the world called Razado. Fringed with lofty 
hills of luxuriant foliage, with a mountain stream 
meandering through the heart of the valley, and 
with the fertile prairie extending on either side, 
waving with grass and flowers, a scene is presented 
which is quite enchanting. 

This valley Maxwell and Carson selected for theif 
vast farms, or ranches, as they were called, contain- 
ing thousands of acres. Maxwell erected a mansion 



THE CHIVALRY OF THE WILDERNEST. 275 

which would be an ornament to any country town 
Mr. Carson's dwelling, though more modest, was 
tasteful, and abounding with comforts. While earn- 
estly engaged in developing and cultivating his farm, 
he heard that an American merchant by the nanr.e 
of Whi^, while approaching Santa Fe in his private 
carriage, had been killed by the Apaches, and 
his wife and only child were carried off by the 
savages. 

A command was immediately organized to pur- 
sue the murderers, and rescue the lady if possible. 
Kit Carson proffered his services for the expedition. 
The first object was to find the trail. They soon 
reached the place where the crime had been com- 
mitted. The ground was strewn with boxes, trunks 
and pieces of harness, etc., which the savages had not 
thought it worth while to carry away. They struck 
the trail and followed it for twelve days without 
overtaking the fugitives. At last their camp was 
seen far away in the distance. Kit Carson was the 
first who caught a glimpse of it. He urged that they 
should draw unseen as near the camp as possible 
and then make a sudden rush upon the Indians, 
with constant and * unerring discharges from theif 
rifles. He said that the savages in their consterna- 
tion would run, each one to save his own life, with- 
out thinking of their captives. If there were a fevr 



17^ CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

moments allowed them for thought, they would ce? 
tainly kill them before effecting their escape. 

Unfortunately his counsel was not followed. 
There was hesitation, delay, and talk of parley. At 
length they made the attack. The Indians fled be 
fore them like deer. The body of Mrs. White was 
found in the camp, still warm, with an arrow piercing 
her heart. The savages, on their fresh horses, could 
not be overtaken by the wearied steeds of the drag, 
cons. They were pursued for six miles. One war- 
rior was killed, and several wounded. Sadly they 
returned. The Httle child of Mrs. White had an- 
noyed the Indians by its cries, and with one blow of 
a tomahawk, its skull had been split open. 

Mr. Carson speaking of this adventure modestly 
writes : 

" I am certain that if the Indians had been 
charged immediately on our arrival, Mrs. White 
would have been saved. Yet I cannot blame the 
commanding officer, or the guide, for the action they 
took in the affair. They evidently did as they 
thought best ; but I have no doubt that they now 
can see that if my advice had been taken, the life of 
Mrs. White might have been spared." 

The expedition however was not a failure. The 
Indians were severely punished. Many of them fled 
with nothing but me scanty clothing they had on. 



THE CHIVALRY OF THE WILDERNESS. 2T^ 

Mr. Carson returned to Razado. The winter passed 
[leacefully away. 

Jn the spring, a band of Apaches entered the 
'galley, shot the two herdsmen, and drove off a large 
number of animals. Kit Carson, at the head of ten 
dragons, set out in sharp pursuit. After a ride of 
twenty-five miles, they came in sight of them, far 
away on the prairie. It was an open chase. Soon 
four of the horses of the dragoons gave out. The re* 
mainder of the party, consisting of Carson, six drag- 
oons, and three settlers, pressed on. They soon got 
near enough to count the numbers of the Indians. 
There were twenty. Five of them were soon 
struck by rifle balls, and dropped from their horses. 
The heroic band returned with the stolen pro- 
perty. 

Mr. Carson was now a farmer. In May, 1856, 
accompanied by an old mountaineer, he took fifty 
horses and mules to Fort Laramie, a distance of five 
hundred miles, and sold them to advantage. He 
then set out for home accompanied only by a Mexi- 
can boy. He remained at his farm through the fol- 
lowing summer, a peaceful, industrious, busy man, 
loving his home and enjoying it. He had quite a 
number of Mexicans employed upon his large farm, 
whose labors he superintended. Much of his time 
he emplo} ed in hunting thus abundantly supplying 



278 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

his large family with game. It is written of him, at 
this time : 

** Mounted on a fine horse, with his faithful dog 
and gun, early each day he would start out on the 
prairies, to engage in the chase. In a few hours he 
would return on foot with his noble hunter loaded 
down with choice game. Sometimes it would be an 
antelope or elk. On another occasion it would con- 
sist of black-tailed deer, which are celebrated as 
being the largest and finest specimens of venison 
that roam the forests of any country, and are only 
to be found in the Rocky mountains ; on another, 
wild turkeys, and then mountain grouse and prairie 
chickens, helped to complete the load. When thus 
provided for, it is no wonder that Kit's workmen 
loved their employment, and labored with good will. 

" In his mountain home he was often visited by 
Indian friends who came to smoke the pipe of peace 
with him, and to enjoy his hospitality. He saw him- 
self in possession of fine lands, well watered and 
well timbered. The soil, unsurpassed in richness and 
fertility, was a safe and sure depository for his seeds, 
telling him in its silent but unmistakable language, 
of the harvest in store for him. His stock was the 
best which heart could wish. And last, but not 
least, he was within a stone's throw of splendid hunt 
ang-grounds.'' 



THE CHIVALRY OF THE WILDERNESS. 2/9 

During the summer two gentlemen, Messrs. Bre- 
voort and Weatherhead, were going to the United 
States from Santa Fe, with a large sum of money to 
purchase goods. One of the worst of frontier vaga- 
bonds, a fellow by the name of Fox, offered his 
services as guide, and to organize a company to 
escort them over the plains. He was a shrewd and 
plausible scoundrel, and his services were accepted. 
He enlisted a small but very energetic band of des- 
peradoes, and conspired with them to murder and 
rob the gentlemen on the way. The deed was to be 
perpetrated when they should have got nearly across 
the plains. The murderers could then divide the 
rich booty among themselves, and scatter through- 
out the States. 

One wretch who had been applied to to join the 
gang, but who for some unknown reason had declined, 
divulged the plot when he thought that his friend 
Fox was so far on his way that there was no danger 
of his being overtaken and arrested. The rumors 
of the diabolical plot reached the ears of Kit Carson. 
He knew Fox and his depraved associates well. 
The murder was to be perpetrated when the party 
should reach Cimaron river, about three hundred 
miles from Santa Fe. 

In an hour the energetic man was mounted with 
a small band of his employes, all upon the fleetest 



280 CHRISTCfUER CARSON. 

and most powerful steeds. Most li the workmen OB 
Mr. Carson's extended ranche were veteran pioneers. 
Every man was well armed, and led a horse in addi- 
tion to the one upon which he rode. It was posszd/f^ 
md that was all, that by the most expeditious riding 
the travellers might be overtaken before the bloody 
deed had been performed. 

Their path was over the open prairie. Onward 
they went as fast as their steeds could be safely 
urged. The second night out, they came upon a 
detachment of United States troops bound for Cali- 
fornia as recruits. The officer in command. Captain 
Ewell, knowing that the plains were infested with 
powerful bands of Indians, by whom the small party 
of Mr. Carson might be cut off, generously joined 
him with twenty men, leaving the rest of his party 
to proceed on their journey by slow marches. 

They overtook the merchants just before they 
had reached the spot where their lives were to be 
taken. Fox was at once arrested. Messrs. Weather- 
head and Rrevoort were astounded when informed 
of the peril from which they had been rescued. Fox 
was carried back to Santa Fe and placed in jail. 
The merchants were entrusted to the care of fifteen 
men who could be relied upon. The rest of the 
gang were ordered immediately to leave the camp. 
Though their guilty designs were unquestioned, they 



THE CHIVALRY OP THE WILDERNESS. 28 1 

would be difficult of proof. The grateful merchants 
offered Kit Carson a large sum of money for his 
heroic and successful efforts to save their lives. He 
replied : 

" It is a sufficient reward for me to have been in- 
strumental in saving the lives of two worthy citizens. 
I can not think of receiving one cent of money.'' 

They all met that night gratefully and joyously, 
around their camp fires. With the exception of the 
guilty wretches who had been plotting murder, all 
were very happy. The emotions excited were too 
deep to allow of jollity. Indeed Kit Carson was 
never a jolly man. He had no taste for revelry. As 
in every man of deep reflection and true greatness, 
the pensive element predominated in his character. 

It was a brilliant night, calm, serene and starlight. 
As Carson lay awake at midnight, thanking God for 
what he had been enabled to accomplish, it must 
have been an hour of sublimity to him, such as is 
rarely experienced on earth. While most of the nu- 
merous party were sleeping soundly around him, 
nothing could be heard but the howling of packs of 
prairie wolves, and the heavy tread of the guards, ci» 
they walked their beats. 

We can not doubt that Mr. Carson was in heart 
thoroughly a religious man. It is the element of re- 
ligion alone, which, in the midst of such temptations^ 



J82 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

could form a character of such remarkable purity. 
He was too reticent to speak of his own feelhigs and 
there were but few, if any, of the thoughtless men 
around him who could appreciate his christian emo 
tions. 

Messrs. Brevoort and Weatherhead made si 
graceful acknowledgment of their obligations to Mr. 
Carson for the invaluable service which he had ren- 
dered them. In the following spring they present- 
ed him with a pair of magnificent revolvers. Upon 
the silver mountings there was engraved a brief nar- 
rative of his heroic achievement. Mr. Carson on his 
return to Razado, found pleasant and constant em- 
ployment in carrying on his farm and providing 
many hungry mouths with game. His hospitable 
home was ever crowded with guests. 

Early in the summer he set out with Mr. Max- 
well and a large train of wagons, for the States. 
Leaving his animals and wagons on the Kansas 
frontier, he descended the river to St. Louis in a 
steamboat. Here he purchased a large stock of 
goods, and reascending the river, transferred them 
to his caravan. He then started with his long train 
to return to New Mexico. His route was through 
the rich pasturage to be found on the way to Bent's 
Fort. Just before reaching the ford of the Arkansas, 
he fell in with an encampment of Cheyenne warriors. 



THE CHIVALRY OF THE WILDERNESS. 283 

They were greatly and justly exasperated by an out- 
rage inflicted upon them by a preceding party oi 
United States recruits. Kit Carson, though uncon- 
scious of this, perceived at once that something was 
wrong These Indians had been very friendly. 

With his customary caution, he ordered the cara- 
van to press forward as rapidly as possible, through 
the countiy of the Cheyennes, while every man was 
ordered to be constantly on guard. Having ad- 
vanced about twenty miles, he saw that the savage 
warriors were rapidly gathering around him, in ever 
increasing numbers. Throwing up an intrenched 
camp, he rode out to within hailing distance of an 
advanced party of the warriors, and proposed a 
council. His friendly words in some degree concil- 
iated them. They were soon seated in a circle, and 
they smoked the pipe of peace. Carson had ad- 
dressed them through an interpreter. They did not 
suppose that the pale face could understand their 
language. But he did understand it perfectly. 

The savages began to talk very loudly among 
themselves. Carson, understanding every word they 
said, listened eagerly, hoping to ascertain the cause 
of their unexpected hostility. Openly, but as they 
thought secretly, they discussed their piot, treacher^ 
ously to disarm the whites of their suspicion, and 
then to arise and massacre them all. With true Iiv 



584 CHklSroFMiEK CARSON. 

dian cunning they had arranged matters so that it 
would appear that the Sioux Indians, had perpetrated 
the massacre, and that the white man's vengeance 
might fall upon them. 

Suddenly Carson sprang to his feet, ordered every 
man whc attended him, to be ready for immediate 
action. Then to the astonishment of the savages, in 
pure Cheyenne, he said to them : 

** You see that I understand all that you have 
said. Why do you wish for my scalp ? I have ever 
been the friend of your tribe. No one of you has 
ever been injured by me. There are some here 
whom I have met in past years. If they will turn to 
their memories, they will recall the former hunter 
of Bent's Fort. I have eaten and drank with them. 
And now without any provocation from me, you 
treacherously seek my life. If you do not instantly 
leave this place, I will order you to be shot." 

The warriors disappeared on swift feet. Kit Car- 
son's change of dress had so altered his appearancCy 
that they did not at first recognize him. But they 
had not forgotten his reputation. Though they had 
counted his armed teamsters, and saw that they num- 
bered fifteen, the Indian warriors held a grand coun- 
cil, and probably the decision was to withdraw with- 
out an attack. Perhaps they remembered their 
former friendship for Carson ; perhaps they were in- 



THE CHIVALRY Ut THE WILDERNESS. 23f 

timidated by his military prowess. At all events, he 
was not again molested. The remainder of the 
journey to Razado was accomplished in safety, 
though the vigilance of this distinguished leadejt 
was not intermitted in the slightest degree for a 
single mile of the way. 



CHAPTER XV 

Recollections of Mountain Life. 

Character of the Native Indian. — The Caravan. — Interesting Inddenl 
— Effects of Cholera. — Commission of Joe Smith. — Snow on thj 
Mountains. — Government Appointment. — Adventure with three 
Bears. — Journey to Los Angelos. — Mt St. Bernardino. — The 
Spring. — Character of Men. — Insubordination Quelled. — Suffer- 
ing for Water and Relief. — A Talk with Indians. 

In writing the life of Kit Carson, my object has 
been, as has been mentioned, not merely to record 
those remarkable traits of character which Mr. Car- 
son developed, but also to portray and perpetuate 
the great features of that wild and wondrous moun- 
taineer life, which the discovery of this continent 
ushered in, but even the memory of which is now 
rapidly passing to oblivion. 

It so happens that I have an intimate friend 
who passed ten years of his early manhood roving 
through these solitudes. I have spent many an 
evening hour, listening to his recital of the adven- 
tures which he encountered there. This friend, Mr. 
Willianr. E. Goodyear, is a man of unusual native 
itrength of mind of ma '^-dlous powers of memory 



RECOLLECTIONS OF MOUNTAIN LIFE. 287 

and I repose implicit confidence in his veracity. At 
my earnest solicitation, he has furnished me with 
the following graphic narrative of the scenes which 
he witnessed nearly a score of years ago, when these 
regions were rarely visited save by the wild beast 
and the Indian. 

In the year 1852 I, then a young man, in all the 
vigor of early youth, and of unusual health and 
strength, when the wildest adventures were a pleas 
ure, was led by pecuhar circumstances to undertake 
a trip across the continent. Our journey from Inde- 
pendence, Missouri, to Salt Lake was accomplished 
without any incident worthy of especial record. 
Along the route we were accompanied by almost an 
incessant caravan of wagons, horsemen and footmen, 
some bound to the Mormon city, some flocking to 
the recently discovered gold mines in California, and 
some on hunting and trapping excursions, to the 
vast prairies and majestic valleys of the far west. 
Here we met several men whose names had attained 
much renown among the pioneers of the w;lderness, 
such men as James Bridger, Tim Goodell, Jim Beck- 
with, chief of the Crow Indians, William Rogers, a 
half breed, and Arkansas Sam 

Our company numbered but four, consisting of my 
uncle, then and now resident in California, who was 
returning to his home, from a visit to the States* 



288 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

myself, who was crossing the continent mainly for the 
love of ad venture; another young man, and an In- 
dian boy, about sixteen years old, called Joe. The 
boy had been brought from the Indian country and 
was about as wild and ungovernable a spirit as ever 
chased a buffalo or shouted the war-whoop. 

My uncle had often during the previous twenty 
years, crossed the mountains, on trapping expeditions 
with an elder brother. In these adventures my 
uncle, whom I was accompanying, had become quite 
familiar with the pecuHarities of the Indian, and had 
become acquainted with many of the chiefs of the 
different tribes. Neither he nor his brother had 
even been afraid to enter the camp of the Indian ; 
for they had never deceived nor defrauded him. 

Let it be remembered that these excursiors of 
my uncle had taken place nearly forty years "ago, 
before unprincipled traders had carried whiskey into 
the country and robbed the Indians in ever}'^ possible 
way. The native Indian seems to have been the 
soul of honor. But now how changed ! contamirj^ated 
by vagabond white men. 

Our company had about a dozen hcr*ies and 
mules. We rode the horses and the well packed 
mules carried our luggage. We had also a light 
two horse spring wagon. Behold us, then, three of 
us, mounted in half Spanish saddles, with our rifies 



RECOLLECTIONS OF MOUNTAIN LIFE. 289 

In front lying crossways between our persons and 
the horn of the saddle. The never-failing revolver 
and hunting knife were in our belts. The young 
man drove the wagon which contained many of our 
most valuable effects. 

It was without much thought that we set out on 
the emigrant trail to California, a distance of about 
three thousand miles. As on our journey we were 
one day descending the hills into the valley of the 
Platte river, near a place called Ash Hollow, our 
keen-eyed Indian boy exclaimed, ** I see Indians.'* 
Looking around with a rapid glance and seeing 
nothing, I said, '* I think not." " Yes," he replied, 
" there certainly are Indians," and pointed to some 
specks far away before us, on the meadows which 
skirted the stream. 

Sure enough, there was a band of Indians quite 
distinctly discernible. My uncle looked at them for 
a moment quite intently and in silence. Then he 
said : 

" Boys ! there is a band of Indians on the war- 
path. I wish you to obey my instructions exactly 
Do not stop your riding animals or the team. Keep 
straight ahead, unless I tell you to halt. Do not 
fire a shot unless I fire first. Then take deliberate 
aim and kill as many as you can .before you go 
under." 

13 



290 CHRISTOPHER .CARSON. 

"Go under!" this was the almost invaiiabU 
phrase, in the language of the mountains, for death, 
I v/ell remember my thoughts as we neared them. 
It was indeed a formidable looking band of Aripa- 
ho Indians, hideously painted, and looking more like 
demons than men, armed for a fight. They were all 
mounted, and each warrior carried in his hand a 
long spear and a strong shield, impervious to arrows, 
made of rawhide. Their bows and arrows were 
slung to their backs. To my inexperienced eye 
they seemed incarnate fiends. We had met several 
imall bands of Indians before, but no war party like 
this. 

When we had approached within a few hundred 
yards of each other, my uncle said : 

" Boys ! do not forget what I have told you.'* 

Then pressing his large Mexican spurs into the 
sides of his horse, he darts away towards them upon 
the full gallop, at the same time shouting something 
in the Indian language which I did not understand. 
Their ranks opened and he rode into the centre and 
instantly dismounted. There was the chief on a 
splendid charger. He also alighted, and for a 
moment both were concealed from our view, buried 
as it were, within the ranks of the plumed warriors. 
They were, as we afterwards ascertained, fraternally 
embracing each other. Both remounted their horseSi 



RECOLLECTIONS OF MOUNTAIN LIFE. 29I 

^he ranks opened again and tliey two, my uncle and 
the chief, rode out upon the full run towards us as 
our little cavalcade were steadily pressing- forward on 
th« trail. 

When they reached us, the chief held out his 
hand to me, and said in broken English, " How do, 
brother?" I shook hands with him, returning the 
salutation of " How do." My uncle then turning to 
me said, '' Have you plenty of tobacco with you ? *' 
** O yes," I replied rather tremblingly, for I was ill 
at ease. " You can have it all if you want it." " I 
don't want it all," uncle rephed. " Give me one 
plug." I gave it to him and he handed it to the 
chief. 

The war party was directly on the trail. Four 
hundred mounted warriors occupy much space, 
composing a formidable looking band. Following 
the directions which had been given us, we continued 
on the move. The chief waved a signal to his men, 
to which they promptly responded, opening theif 
ranks and filing to the right and to the left. We 
passed on through this living wall bristling with 
spears, meeting with an occasional greeting of *' How 
do.*' Having passed through the long Hues of the 
band my uncle said to me, " Keep straight on till 
night. I will then rejoin you. I am going to have 
a big smoke with the chief." 



292 ClIRlST(n^HER CARSON. 

With alacrity we obeyed this mandate, g!aci 
enough to leave such customers behind us. I corv 
fess that I was half frightened to death, and feared I 
should never see my uncle again. In the evening 
he joined us and laughed very heartily at me fot 
wishing, in my trepidation, to give the chief all my 
tobacco. 

In after life, in my intercourse with the Indians, 1 
got bravely over being scared by any sights or 
sounds emanating from them. We pressed on with- 
out molestation to Salt Lake, passing continually the 
newly made graves of the dead. The cholera had 
broken out with awful fataHty, along the whole line 
of the emigrants' march, consigning thousands to 
burial in the wilderness. 

We reached the Great Salt Lake, the home of 
the Mormons, in safety. Here we remained for 
nearly a month. I called on Brigham Young, and 
also on the old patriarch Joe Smith. From the lat- 
ter I received a commisson, or power of attorney, 
for the consideration of two dollars, authorizing me 
to heal the sick, to raise the dead, and to speak all 
languages. Perhaps my want of faith left me as 
powerless as other men, notwithstanding my commis^ 
8!on. We spent our time here in strolling around 
the city, visiting the tabernacle, bathing and fishing 
in the river Jordan, which empties into the lake, and 



RECOLLEClir)XS OF MOUNTAIN LIFE. 293 

In making sundry purchases for the continuation of 
our journey to the Pacific. 

Again we started upon our journey. After weary 
days of travel, without encountering any adventure 
of special interest, we reached the vast ridge of the 
Sierra Nevada mountains. Up, up, and still up, the 
trail led us over the gigantic cliffs. On the summit 
we found snow hundreds of feet deep, and apparently 
as hard as the rock which it surmounted. We 
crossed the ridge by what is called the Carson route 
Descending the mountains on the western side, we 
find ourselves in California, and pressing on through 
Sacramento, to Benicia, are at our journey's end. 

We left Independence on the third of June. It 
is now the latter part of September. We have spent 
almost four months on the road. And here let me 
say, that had I given a description of the country, its 
rivers, its mountains, its scenery, its abundance of 
game, among the noblest of which, are the buffalo, 
bears of different kinds, deer, antelope, mountain 
sheep ; its numerous rivers abounding with a great 
variety of fishes, — had I endeavored to give a full 
description of all these, it would have demanded a 
volume rather than a chapter. 

Here I was at Benicia, and winter was at hand, 
1 decided not to go to the mining districts until the 
iffing sun should return. Provisions commanded al 



294 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

most fabulous prices. Packers got a dollar a pound 
for packing flour, sugar, rice and other things which 
the miners must have. 

But an unexpected opening presented itself tc 
me. Mr. Frederick Loring was about to set out on 
a surveying tour in behalf of the government. I se- 
cured a position in the party as chain-man. 

We set out for San Rafael, which is in Marin 
county, on the coast of the Pacific, just north of San 
Francisco. We had been out but five or six weeks, 
when Mr. Loring's health began seriously to fail 
him. One day he called me to him, and said : 

" I wish you now to quit chaining and to carry 
my instrument and to watch me, that you may learn 
to use it yourself. I shall probably not be able to 
finish this contract. I ought to be on my bed 
now." 

Very readily I fell in with this arrangement. 
Having studied navigation while a boy at school, 
which is somewhat similar to surveying, it did not 
take me a great while to learn to adjust the instru- 
ment, or to take the variations at night, on the elon- 
gation of the north star. I v/ill here remark in pass- 
ing, that Mr. Loring soon became so enfeebled that 
he returned to San Francisco, where he died. 

One day while surveying in the coast range, we 
had descended n mountain, and upon a plain below 



RECOLLECTIONS OF MOUNTAIN LIFE. 295 

had found a dense chaparral or thicket of b jshes^ 
so closely interwoven that v e could not penetrate it 
with our pack animals. We therefore sent the boys 
down the plain, along the edge of the thickets, to find 
some better place to go through. Mr. Loring, ouf 
>^hain-man and I prepared to make a triangulation, in 
order to get the distance from the point we were at, 
to a white stone on our line of survey, which was on 
the side of the opposite mountain and across the 
chaparral. 

Having finished the triangulation, Mr. Loring and 
I endeavored to cross the chaparral by a direction 
different from that which the main body of the party 
was pursuing. Suddenly Mr. Loring dropped his 
instrument and in a tone of terror exclaimed : 

" Look at that bear.'' I looked as he pointed in 
the direction of a large rock, and there were three 
huge grizzly bears. Loring, being longer legged than 
I, left me like a shot from a gun. I ran to a trecj 
near by, from four to six feet in circumference, and 
very speedily found myself perched among its 
branches. I looked for the bears. One had not left 
the spot where we discovered them. Another was 
growling and snarHng at the foot of the tree which I 
had dimbed. The other was going after Loring at 
no very slow pace. 

We had got through the chaparral and our party 
8 



29^ CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

with the mules had also come across and were many 
rods farther down the valley, coming up to meet us. 
As Loring fled with the speed of an antelope, he met 
the first animal, which happened to be the kitchen 
mule. He was so called, because he had very large 
open bags or panniers, into which we put all our 
cooking utensils. Loring sprang upon the back of 
the mule. At the same moment the animal caught 
sight of the grizzly bear. Frantic with terror, he 
turned and fled as mule never fled before. Down 
went the mule on the back track along the edge of 
the chaparral. Once in a while, as the bags flew 
around, they would catch on the bushes, and tear a 
hole. Soon the tin cups and plates began to fly, the 
mule kicking at them with every jump, making such 
a din as to set all the rest of the animals flying 
through the bushes, and down the trail in the wildest 
imaginable stampede. The huge bear in mad pur- 
suit was rushing after them. 

It was a sight I shall never forget. Loring on the 
cook's mule hanging on with all his might. The tin 
ware flying in all directions. All the boys as well as 
your humble servant, up in the trees looking on. I 
laughed so 'Heartily at the ludicrous scene, that I was 
In danger of falling, in which case the bear would 
have torn me to pieces right quick. 

But who is this coming towards me? He is ao 



RECOLLECTIONS OF MOUNTAIN LIFE. 297 

old hunter of our party who used to make shingles 
in the Red-woods. He has had two sons killed by 
bears. Now he has joined our party to provide us 
with game. Deliberately, he walks up to within ten 
feet of the bear who is growling at the foot of my 
tree. Bruin turns on his new foe, and rising on his 
hind feet, with appalling bowlings, prepares for battle. 
But in an instant the old man's rifle is at his 
shoulder. His eye runs quickly through the sights, 
an explosion follows, and the bear is dead. The 
hunter knew well where to strike a vital point. 
Satisfied that the monster was powerless, I came 
dov/n from the tree. 

The other bear, apparently dismayed by the com- 
motion he had created, turned into the chaparral 
and disappeared. It required all the rest of the day 
to re-collect our party and to repair damages. 

Let us now pass from these scenes to the spring 
of the year 1854. Here we are then in San Fran- 
cisco, all ready to start on board the Sea Bird. " Cast 
off the lines." ^* Aye, aye, sir." Off we go around 
North Beach. You will see Point Boneta on the 
north, and Point de los Lobos on the south. 
Through the straits we go out at the Golden Gate. 
Onward we glide past Farallones de los Frayles, and 
here we are out on the broad Pacific. 

After sailing about three hundred miles south we 



298 CHRISTOPTfFR CA.RSON 

arrive at San Pedro. We go ashore at once and 
secure seats in the stage for Ciudad de los Angeles, 
which is situated about twenty-five miles from here 
*n a northerly direction. There is now, after the 
lapse of twenty years, a railroad, instead of Banning's 
stages, by which one can be transported to the City 
of Angels. We shall be obliged to stay here for a 
few cays, to prepare our outfit. Let us see what we 
want. Mules and jacks, pack-saddles, saddles for 
ourselves to ride, in fact every thing pertaining to 
camp-life. Here we can get almost any thing we 
wish for man or beast. 

Well then we will suppose that now we are ready 
to start. Away we go towards San Bernardino. We 
pass the finest of vineyards where thousands of gal- 
lons of wine are made. On, on we go, and at last, 
after a ride of about seventy miles, we arrive at San 
Bernardino. One of the first things which attiacts 
our attention is the mountain of the same name. It 
rises seventeen thousand feet above the level of the 
ocean, attaining an altitude two thousand feet above 
that of Mont Blanc, the monarch of the Alps. 

The inhabitants of the towns are, with few e* 
ceptions, Mormons. It was from this place that wc 
started on a survey, commencing east of the coast 
range of mountains, and extending our operations to 
the extreme boundary line of California, on the east. 



RECOLLECTIONS OF MOUNTAIN LIFE. 299 

The Colorado river was then the line which separated 
California from New Mexico. 

The party employed in this surveying tour con- 
ftisted of about forty men. The first day we went as 
far as the mouth of the Cahon Pass, by which we 
were to penetrate through the coast range of which 
I have spoken. At this spot we found a large farm, 
which they call a ranche, where provisions can be 
purchased, and also poor whiskey. We rested here 
for the night, sleeping in the open air, and at an early 
hour in the morning, sprung from our blankets ready 
dressed. The cook speedily prepared our breakfast, 
we ate like hungry men and then packed our mules 
and jacks, and were on our way. Our pack animals 
will carry from two to three hundred pounds with- 
out any trouble. 

Nearly at the eastern end of the pass we came to 
water. This T claim that I discovered, or at least 
that my horse discovered it for me. It is called in 
Spanifh Guilliome Bobo, or " William I Drink." No 
one would see the spring unless narrowly looking for 
it. It trickles down the almost perpendicular side 
of the mountain. We encamped at the spring, and 
in the morning made an early start, as we had some 
forty or fifty miles to go that day. But we had a 
serious job to encounter before we could get out of 
this defile. It is so steep at its eastern extremity 



30r) CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

that we had to unpack and send up very small loadi 
at a time. In some places we had to use ropes> to 
Haul up our goods. 

But after a while everything is ready for another 
start. On, on we go, through a barren cactus coun- 
try, till we reach the Mohave river. The day is far 
spent, we are all very weary, men as well as animals. 
So, boys, off with the packs of provisions, and let 
your mules go with their long hair ropes. Let one 
of the men be sent to look out for the animals. This 
was no sooner said than done. I was captain of my 
men. A harder set could not be found, in any 
prison in this or any other land. 

My Heutenant, whose name was Texas, had but 
one eye and he was covered with scars. But not- 
withstanding the company was a hard one, it was the 
best I could get for my use. Almost all of them 
had been in many a fight. Before they had been 
with me three months, I have reason to believe 
every one of them loved me, and I know that they 
feared me. Only two instances of mutiny occurred 
in over two years and a half. Both of these I will 
here relate. 

On one occasion I observed that some af tht 
jacks had been kicked severely. I said to my pack- 
master, " Mr. Williams, how is this? Those jacks 
have been shamefully used. The skin is off and the 



RECOLLECTIONS OF MOUNTAIN LIFE. 30I 

wounds are bleeding. I, as you well know, hold 
you personally responsible for every animal. Don't 
let me ever see this again, sir." 

As I turned to go from him, I heard him mutter 
something. I at once, with my hand upon my re- 
volver, came back towards him and inquired, ** what's 
this you're saying, sk?" 

He replied, '' I kicked the jacks myself and I will 
do it again if they bother me.** 

I walked to within perhaps ten paces of him and 
said, *' If I ever catch you at it, I will shoot you like 
a dog." 

" Two," he replied, ** can play at that game," and 
his hand neared the butt of his revolver. I jerked 
jut my pistol and fired at his arm. His pistol drop- 
ped to the ground. 

'* Don't shoot again, captain. I will do as you 
wish in the future." 

" All right," said I. " Let me see your arm." 

I had shot him through his wrist. I bound up 
the wound as well as I could, and it soon healed. 
He remained in my employ nearly four years after 
that, and to my knowledge was never guilty of doing 
me or my animals a wroiig. 

Another instance happened a long time after this. 
! was getting short of provisions, and had got to do 
juat so much work within a certain time. So I 



302 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

resolved to run two instruments. As we were then 
running sectional lines, I could take the variations at 
night. So I fixed another instrument and gave it 
jnto the hands of a young man by the name of Bid« 
dlcman. I assigned to him his part of the line then, 
Mid set him at work within three miles of the camp. 
Returning to camp about two o'clock in the after- 
noc'n, to do some traverse work around a small lake, 
what was my astonishment, to see that Biddleman's 
party was already in camp. Upon asking him what 
it meant, he told me that upon running a random 
line, he stopped to correct the error at the half mile 
corner, and that his men on getting to the mile cor- 
ner, instead of coming back and reporting the error 
as they should have done, started for camp. He, of 
course, followed on, as he could not do anything 
alone. 

i at once called his party of men, told them to 
get their chain and pins, put the stakes, pickaxe and 
shovel on the line animal, and follow me. This they 
did. When we got to the corner where Biddleman 
left off work, I set my instrument, gave them an 
object to run by, and sent them off. They went and 
returned to me. I then ran another mile north, set 
my instrument and started them east again on ran- 
dom. They went and I followed them to the half 
mile corner, to which place they jetumed 



RECOLLECTIONS OF MOUNTAIN LIFE. 303 

I said : *' Boys, we will now go to camp. In 
future whether with me or Biddleman, you will con- 
tinue at your work until you are directed to return.'* 

Had I allowed either of the above transactions 
to have passed unpunished, I might as well have 
started for the States, for all order would have been 
at an end. 

Sometimes we would see a small party of Indians 
at a short distance from us. I would step to my 
instrument, and turn the glass towards them. They 
would at once commence to scamper, throw sand, 
turn into all manner of shapes, lie down, roll over, 
thinking no doubt it was a gun or something that 
would destroy them. At one time, I attempted to 
cross from the sink of the Mohave river to Provi- 
dence, some sixty miles, expecting to find water at 
Washburn's well. This was a hole which I after- 
wards found dug down about ten feet in the white 
sand that covers this desert. On this sand not any 
thiiig grows, but musquit bush, which bears a bean 
that the Indians eat. 

After travelling to within twelve miles of the 
mountain, my animals and my men all gave out. 
We did not have a drop of water, and my chart said 
that there was none short of the mountain. I told the 
boys that evening was coming on, and I would take 
some leather bottles wr had and go and get some 



304 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

water as quickly as I could. So just before dark, I 
started with bottles enough to hold twenty quarts, 
had a trail to follow in the dark, not over a foot in 
width. After what seemed to me the longest twelve 
m'les I ever travelled, I arrived at the mountain. 
After following the ravine through the top, I found 
the spring, drank heartily, filled my bottles, and 
started on my return trip. I arrived at the place 
where I had left my men, just as the day v/as break- 
ing. After giving them a good drink, I gave some 
to each of the animals, any one of which would drink 
from a canteen or bottle. 

We then all immediately started on towards the 
mountain, at which place we finally arrived. When 
within about fifty yards of the spring, I saw a small 
party of Indians camped just above it. One of them, 
the chief, stepped forward, and in Spanish ordered 
me to stop. And here let me say, that almost all of 
the Indians, especially their chiefs, can talk Spanish. 
When he ordered me to stop, I burst out into a 
laugh, and asked him " what for.*' My boys in the 
meantime were preparing for a fight. I told them 
to put up their weapons, as I did not wish to com* 
7jence fighting the Indians here, as there were lots 
j{ them, and we had a good deal of work to do in 
that vicinity. Though we might kill or capture all of 
this party, a larger band might attack us in the 



REJOLLECTIONS OF MOUNTAIN LIFE 305 

future. So I told the boys that if they wouH Veep 
«till, I would bother the Indians a little, and then let 
them go. This was agreed to. Upon my asking 
^he chief what for, he said, 

•'This water belongs to the Indians.'' 

I replied, '' Do you call yourselves Indians ? You 
are nothing but squaws and papooses. I wa -. here 
last night, and got water under your very nos ^s, and 
you did not know it." 

" The white captain," the chief replied, '* talks 
with two tongues. He lies." 

" You are the one that lies," I rejoined. '* Has 
the chief lost his eyesight ? Is he so old that 1 e can- 
not see the white man's trail? Let him come 
forward and meet his white brother alone, and he 
will show him his trail." 

He at once advanced as I did myself. We shook 
hands. I pointed out my last night's trail. He saw it 
at once, and turning to his companions, said to them, 

" The white captain has told the truth." 

So we shook hands all around. I gave them 
some hard bread, also some bacon, and we had a 
good time generally all day resting at this spring. 
At nightfall they all departed, as silently as shadows, 
leaving us in full possession of the spring cf v \tcr. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

Rscollections of Mountain Life, 

Position ot "i^ne Spring. — The Cache. — Kit Carson's Character aii 
Appearance. — Cool Bravery of a Mountain Trapper. — Untamed 
Character or Many Hunters. — The Surveyor's Camp in an In 
dian Terntoiy. — Terrors from Indians. — Joe Walker. — A Moun- 
tain Man. — Soaa Lake. — Optical Illusion. — Camp on Beavei 
Lake. — The Piyute Chief. Conversation with Him. — An alarm 
—A Battle. 

Mr. Goodyear in his interesting narrative contin- 
ues: Here let me speak a word or two about water. 
The springs, as a general thing, are found near the 
summit of the mountains. In some cases I have had 
to pack the water a distance of forty miles, for 
months at a time. From a lake where it bubbled up 
from the bottom as warm as you would like to hold 
your hand in, the process of evaporation in the leath- 
er bottles rendered it soon, almost as cool as ice 
water. 

Let us now return to our first camping ground oil 
the Mohavo river. Here I cached or buried for con- 
cealment, some of my provisions, to relieve the ani- 
mals of their heavy load. If Mr. Indian does not 



RECOLLECI IONS OF MOUNTAIN LIFE. 307 

find the cache, it will be all right on car return. I 
^ill explain how we do it. First, then, we send out 
two or three men as scouts, to see if they can dis- 
cover any signs of Indians, such as footprints or trail, 
or smoke, or anything of that kind. Men that are 
used to it, can distinguish between the footprints of 
an Indian and a white man. They can also, at a 
long distance off, tell an Indian fire from a white 
man's. 

Any mountaineer can tell by the trail, how long 
since persons have passed, the number of the party, 
as well as the number of animals. An Indian, when 
he makes a fire, uses half a dozen little sticks as big 
as your thumb, and very dry, and all the smoke the 
fire makes, will ascend straight up in one stea iy col- 
umn. The white man will use, if he is a novice, the 
dry to kindle with, and then he will chuck on the 
wet wood, which will cause a great smoke. 

But to return to my cache. I keep out my scouts 
all the time we are to work. ** Boys, get your shov- 
els, and dig a hole about four or five feet deep, by 
ten feet in length. Put a lot of wood or branches in 
the bottom. In with the provisions, canvas over 
the top, or more bushes. Cover over all with earth. 
Then take ashes from previous fires, and scatter ovei 
the top • then build fires over them so as to dry the 
sand. 



308 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

It was here in this camp that I first met Chris- 
topher Carson, or Kit Carson, as he was called. From 
his wide acquaintance with the Indians on both sides 
c^f the Rocky mountains; from his personal knoul 
edge of the many tribes of the red men; fr. m hii 
bravery under all circumstances in which he has 
been placed, Kit Carson stands at the head of all the 
hardy pioneers of the Great West. It is now more 
than twenty years, since I first met him on the Mo- 
have river, about eighty miles from San Bernar- 
dino. 

He was accompanied by an American and half a 
dozen Mexicans or half breeds, who were assisting 
him to drive some sheep. As he rode up, he saluted 
me with Buenos dias Senor, which means 'good 
day sir.' I answered the salutation in the same lan- 
guage, at the same time clasping his hand as he dis- 
mounted, and introduced himself as Kit Carson. He 
is about five feet eight or nine inches high, and 
weighs about one hundred and sixty pounds. He 
had a round, jolly looking face, a dark piercing eye, 
ihat looked right through you, and seeme i to reao 
your every thought. His long brown hair hung 
around his shoulders. His dress consisted of buck- 
tkin coat and pants, with leggins coming up to his 
knees, and in which he carried, in true Mexican styles 
his Machete or long two-edged knife 



RECOLLFCTIONS OF MOUNTAIN LIFE. 309 

His coat and pants were heavily fringed, in which 
the quills of the porcupine bore a conspicuous part. 
A cap of fox-skin surmounted his head, with four 
coon's tails sticking out around the edges of the cap. 
On his feet were moccasins. His never-failing rifle 
was strapped to his back, as also a powder-horn and 
bullet-pouch, which latter contained bullets, lead 
and moulds. Around his waist there was a heavy 
belt, which was fastened by a large, highly pohshed 
silver buckle. Attached to the belt, were a pair of 
revolvers and a hunting knife. 

The noble steed by which he stood, was gayly 
caparisoned, in true Mexican style. In many places 
his trappings were covered with gold and silver. His 
bridle also glittered with silver ornaments and 
buckles. 

Thus Kit Carson stands before you, the beau 
ideal of a mountain man, or trapper, always ready to 
help every one in distress, or to avenge an injury, 
and no matter what the odds, would fight to the 
death, beHeving that if he went under, fighting fof 
his friends, it was all right. 

Kit Carson was a host in himself. It is my be- 
lief that he was feared, singly and alone, more than 
any other trapper in the Indian countr>\ For my 
own part, in an Indian fight, many a one of which I 
have been in. I would rather have Carson than 



310 CHRISTOPHER CARSON 

wenly common men. His name struck terror to an 
Indian. And if it were known that Kit, with a com 
panion or two, was on their trail, they would flee 
faster than they would from a whole regiment of 
Uncle Sam's men. If Kit was after them, they 
might as well commence their death song at once, 
and prepare for their happy hunting grounds, for he 
would surely catch them any where this side of that 
But I must not forget the names of other brave 
trappers, with whom I became acquainted, and who 
often shared with me my camp in the Indian country, 
such as Peg Leg Smith, Joseph Walker, and a host 
of other brave men. I will here tell you how Smith 
got his name of Peg Leg. 

Thirty years ago, he and some of his companions 
were trapping in the Indian country. They had 
made a hut in a ravine. For a camping place, it was 
so well concealed, that for a long time they were un- 
disturbed. One day, however, Smith and three or 
four of his party were discovered by Indians, about 
two miles from camp. A fight* took place, in which 
Smith was struck by a rifle ball, that shattered the 
bone below the knee. He fell, and during the 
melee managed to crawl into a thicket, unobserved 
cither by the Indians or his own men. Here, after 
tying up his own leg with buckskin thongs which he 
cut from his hunting shirt, he very coolly and delib 



RECOLLECTION'S OF MOUNTAIN LIFE. 311 

crately went to work with his own knife, and cut his 
own leg off. After this he crawled to his camp, 
where he found his companions who supposed he 
was dead, and who were expecting the next morn- 
ing to go and find his body. 

This is said to be a true story, and who of thoes 
who were in California twenty years ago, do not re- 
member Peg Leg Smith and his horse John. He 
would come into San Francisco, or Benicia, riding 
like the wind, his long grey hair floating about his 
shoulders, and then that never-to-be-forgotten war- 
whoop ! And now here in Benicia, he dashes up to 
the Vallejos hotel. 

"John," he says to his horse, "down sir, quick. 
I'm mighty dry." Down goes the horse ; old Peg 
gets off. '* Boys, how are you. I say there," address- 
ing the bar tender, " make me a whiskey toddy.'' 

This is done at once. No pay is expected. No 
one expects Peg Leg Smith to pay for any thing, 
where he is known. 

Most of these men possessed many noble im- 
pulses, and would prove true to the death for their 
friends. But they considered the killing of an In- 
dian as justifiable, whenever they met with one. 

I was at this time at work under Colonel Jack 
Hayes, of Texas. Every one familiar with the his- 
tory of that State in its infancy, will remember him 



512 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

as an old Indian fighter. He was one who never 
turned his back on friend or foe. At this time, he 
was United States Surveyor-General of California. 

Some may like to know how we camp in an In 
dian country. I will give a brief description of oui 
camp First our pack saddles are placed in a circle, 
enclosing a pretty large space. Our provisions and 
goods are then stored inside of the circle. Our ani- 
mals are picketed at our heads, the pack saddles serv- 
ing as pillows, and our feet being towards the centre 
of the circle. When there is danger to be appre- 
hended, the animals are placed within the circles 
But ordinarily, they graze to the extent of their 
picket ropes upon the rich grass outside. Generally 
inside the circle there is a rousing fire. Those of us 
who are not on guard, lie down in our blankets, feet 
towards the fire. Our rifles are placed in the hollow 
of the left arm ; our revolvers at our back, ready for 
instant use. The sky is our covering, the earth our 
support. The guard patrols on the outside the cir- 
cle, outside the horses. We go to sleep to dream oi 
home and friends, and often to be awakened by the 
quick sharp bark of the cayote, the howling of the 
grey wolf, or what is far worse, the almost infernal 
war-w^hoop of the Indian. 

My orders to each man, in case of an attack, were 
not to rise. The guard also, as they came inside the 



RECOLLECTIONS DF MOUNTAIN LIFE. 3IJ 

circle of pack saddles, were to throw themselves flat 
on the ground. Those that were in their blankets 
were to roll over on their stomachs, and then when 
they saw an Indian to * blaze away.' When we were 
on the line and expected trouble, we would build a 
fire and at dark, after supper, move away slowly for 
one or two miles, and lie down without any fires, 
and in this way cheat Mr. Indian. 

Sometimes after working all day we were obliged 
to fight for our lives all the latter part of the night ; 
for this is the time which the Indian chooses for his 
fighting, as a general rule. Notwithstanding these 
apparent drawbacks, I must say that the life of a 
mountain man or trapper, had ever indescribable 
charms for me. 

And now in conclusion, let me give you an 
account of my last Indian fight, which happened in 
the year 1859, on the Colorado river, near what is 
now called Fort Mohave. At that time the Indians 
in that region had seen but few white men, and they 
had obtained but about half a dozen old guns. I, 
having surveyed a large portion of the country 
previously, was chosen to act as guide to Colonel 
Hoffman, who was to be escorted by fifty dragoons 
from Fort Tejou, near Los Angelos, to Fort Yuma. 
I, not then being acquainted with the country upon 
t-he Colorado river down to the fort, the celebrated 



314 CHRISTOrHEK CARSON. 

sccut and trapper Joe Walker, was to go with us, tc 
act as guide after we had passed through that pon 
tion of the country with which I was acquainted. 

Joe was a tall, large man, six feet high and weigh- 
ing over two hundred pounds. We slept togethei 
in the same blankets, and many a night have I laid 
awake, listening to his stories of fights with the 
Indians and his hair-breadth escapes. 

I shall pass rapidly over our journey across the 
mountains and along the valley of the Mohave 
river. Away we go across Soda Lake, which is dry, 
and the surface of which as far northward as the eye 
can extend, is covered with saleratus, white as the 
driven snow. If you should see at a distance any- 
thing coming towards you, it would s.*cm to ap- 
proach bottom upwards ; if an animal, the feet would 
be in the air. 

But on we go to the Granite springs, thence we 
pass on to Piyute Creek. Slowly we ascend the 
mountains from which we are to descend to the 
Colorado river. Colonel Hoffman orders a halt, for 
the smoke of Indian fires is seen ascending for miles 
along the banks of the majestic river. Having got 
all things prepared for either peace or war, we march 
down into the valley. The Indians have un- 
doubtedly caught sight of us, for suddenly the 
»moke disappears, all the fires apparently beinj^ ex. 



RECOLLECTIONS OF MOUNTAIN LIFE. 3IJ 

tinguished. We press on and soon reach the banks 
of the river. 

Following down the stream a mile or two, the 
colonel searches for a good spot for a camping 
ground. As we are on the move, all mounted, well 
irmed and in military array, about thirty Indians 
showed themselves. Moving cautiously at first, they 
gradually became emboldened and ran along our 
lines asking sundry questions. But we returned no 
answers. Having selected the spot for camping- 
ground, we lay out our camp in the form of a triangle. 
On the one side is a bluff from six to ten feet high, 
on the opposite side is a lake called Beaver Lake, 
about five hundred yards wide. Here, upon the rich 
grass which borders th^ lake, we tether our animals^ 
each one having the range of a rope about thirty 
feet long. Here we considered them safe, as the 
Indians would hardly attempt to attack them. It 
was early in the month of January, 1859. 

The third side of our triangle was a dry swamp^ 
covered with a dense growth of willow bushes. By 
order of the colonel, these bushes were cut down 
"or a distance of sixty or eighty yards, so that no foe 
ould approach unseen. By four o'clock in the after- 
•loon, the labor of establishing our camp was com- 
pleted. At some distance from us there was a large 
and constantly increasing band of Indians, curiously 



3l6 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

watching our proceedings. They weie all well 
armed with their native weapons of lances, jows and 
arrows. 

As I was talking in one part of the camp witL 
Joe Walker, Colonel Hoffman approached us and 
said, 

*' I want one of you to go and have a talk with 
the Indians." 

*' Very well sir," I replied, and turning to Joe, 
added, " will you go, or shall I ? '' 

" You had better go, I guess," Joe replied. 

I at once set out towards the Indians, and when 
I arrived within speaking distance, hailed them in 
Spanish, saying that I wished to see their chief and to 
have a talk. I had left my rifle in the camp, but still 
had my revolvers, and my knife. A young fellow, 
tall, of splendid proportions, and one of the fiercest 
looking Indians I ever saw, stepped out towards me, 
with his bows and arrows. He w^as entirely naked 
except his breach clout and a small plaid shawl thrown 
over his shoulders. The ends were fastened down by 
a piece ol black tape. On this tape was strung" a 
pair of common shears, apparently as an ornament. 

His color was like a new piece of copper, clear, 
brilliant and exceedingly beautiful, like one of the 
most majestic statues in shining bronze. '' How do 
you do ? " said he in Spanish, as he approached me 



RECOLLECTIONS OP MOUNTAIN Lll-E. 3J7 

and held out his hand. I took his hand, returning 
the salutation in the same language. 

"Why do you come here?'' he then promptly 
said. " This is our country. We have nothing to 
give you, for yourselves or your horses." 

T gave him some tobacco in token of good will 
and then repHed : " We have come to look at the 
country. We do not wish you to give us anything. 
If you are friendly, we shall give you presents. If 
you attack us, we shall kill you." I then added * 
'* Some of the Indians of this country massacred a 
party only a year ago. We shall have no more 
killed by them. We shall build a fort here, to pro- 
tect our emigrants." 

He replied a little angrily, " I am a Mohavi. 
My people own this country. I shall kill whoevei I 
please.'' I had not any doubt that the shawl ar«d 
the shears came from the party they had massacred. 
1 pointed to the shawl and said : 

" Where did you get that?'* 

'* I bought them," he replied, evidently annoyed. 
'* 1 bought them from the Piute Indians." 

** My brother,'' I replied, ^* does not talk with a 
straight tongue. It is forked, and his words are 
Clocked.'' He now added, with considerable 
warmth : 

" Go to your own camp, and prepare for war. ] 



5l8 CHRISTv^x-HER CARSON. 

will not kill you. Your guns are short. I will take 
your horses, and my men shall have a big feast 
Youi horses are fat and good. I have many men 
many braves. You have but few. Go to your camp 
and prepare for war.'' 

'* Indian," said I, "I go, but remember that our 
short guns kill an Indian ever>' time. We never 
stop to load them.'* 

I turned to go back to the camp. It is not eti- 
quette on such an occasion to back out, watching your 
opponent, as though you were a coward and feared 
an attack. I turned squarely round, with my back 
to the Indian, when I saw the boys at the foit sud- 
denly raise their rifles with their muzzles directed to- 
wards us. At that moment, an arrow whizzed 
through my buckskin shirt, just making a flesh wound 
on the shoulder. I had slightly turned as the arrow 
left the bow, otherwise I should probably have re- 
ceived my death-wound. Instantly, with my revol- 
ver already in my hand, I discharged in quick succea- 
sion, two shots at the savage, who was distant but a 
few feet from me. The first bullet broke his arm ; 
the second passed through his heart. I instantly 
seized the shawl and shears and taking a little of his 
nair to remember him by, started on a jump towards 
our men, who were rushing towards me as fast aa 
possible. The arrows flew so thick and fast, that 



RECOLLECTIONS OF xMOUNTA.IN LiFE. 319 

you would have thought it was haihng. Night soon 
came on, and the Indians retired, probably to get re- 
cruits and to renew the battle in the morning with 
the certainty of our destruction. We doubled our 
guard for the night, during which I was awakened 
but once. Joe Walker and I slept together. So 
much used were we both to such little affairs, that I 
do not believe we should have awakened at all, had 
we not been called. 

About twelve o'clock, a sentrj?- came to where we 
were sleeping, and touching me, said : 

" Guide, I believe there is an Indian creeping up 
behind a bush." Joe says, " Bill, get up and see 
what it is. My eyes are not as good in the night as 
yours.'' 

So out of my blanket I got, grabbed my revolver 
and went towards the bluff. The sentinel accom- 
panying me, pointed out the bush. I did not like to 
fire into it, lest I should give a false alarm. I watch- 
ed it about ten minutes, and there was not the least 
movement. " I guess,'* I said, " it is nothing but a 
bush." But at tnat moment, I perceived a very 
slight agitation of the branches. It proved that 
there must be somebody there. 

"Oho! Mr. Indian," I exclaimed, ** at ycur old 
tricks. I raised my revolver, took deliberate aim at 
the very heart of the bush, and fired. Mr. Indian 



320 CHRISTOPHER CARSJN. 

gave a hideous yell, and he had gone to his happy 
hunting grounds. In the morning, we prepared to 
leave. The Indians, as we afterwards learned, had 
fifteen hundred warriors within a radius of five miles. 
We numbered but about fifty men. But we had 
rifles, they had only bows and arrows. The superi- 
ority of oui arms raised us above all fear. 

It was manifest however, with the earliest dawn, 
from the large number of warriors assembled, and 
the menacing cries they raised, that we must have a 
fight. Colonel Hoffman detached, every fourth maa, 
each one to hold four horses. The rest of the drag- 
oons were marshalled on the bluff, which as I have 
mentioned, lined one side of our encampment. As 
our rifles could throw a bullet more than twice as far 
as any arrow could be thrown, the battle was rather 
a source of amusement to us, than of terror. No In 
dian could approach within arrow shot of our ranks, 
without meeting certain death. It must be confessed 
that we had no more compunctions in shooting an 
Indian than in shooting a bear or a wolf. As they 
dodged from tree to tree, assailing us with their im- 
potent arrows, our keen marksmen watched theif 
opportunity to strike them down with the invisible 
death-deaHng bullet. 

Old Joe Walker practiced with our Hawkins 
ifles and revolvers, as he said, '^just to keep his 



RECOLLECTIONS OF MOUNTAIN LIFE. 321 

hand in." Altci an hour or two of this strange bat- 
tle, in which the Indians suffered fearful carnage, 
and we encountered no loss, our foe in rage and de- 
ipair retired. They left sixty of their number dead> 
besides taking with them many wounded. We con- 
tinued our march without further molestation. 

And now my friend, if you shall find anything in- 
teresting to you in this short sketch, I shall be satis- 
fied. I have written a great deal more than I ex- 
pected to write, when I began. And yet you have 
but a very brief narrative of my adventures in Cali- 
fornia. 

Vours truly, 

(signed) William E. Goodyiab. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

Frontier Desperadoes and Savage Ferocity. 

Original Friendliness of the Indians. — The River Pirates, Culben ^ni 
Magilbray, — Capture of Beausoliel. — His Rescue by the NegiQ 
Cacasotte. — The Cave in the Rock. — The Robber Mason. — His 
Assassination. — Fate of the Assassins. — Hostility of the Apaches. 
Expedition of Lieutenant Davidson. — Carson's Testimony in 
his Favor.— Flight of the Apaches. 

We have occasionally alluded to the desperadoes 
who infested the frontiers. They were often much 
more to be dreaded than the Indians. Indeed the 
atrocities which these men perpetrated were the 
main cause of the hostility of the savages. It is the 
uncontradicted testimony that the natives were, at 
first, disposed to be friendly. It was only when ex- 
asperated by unendurable wrongs that they appealed 
to arms. When seemingly unprovoked assailants, 
they were seeking revenge for some great outrage 
which they had already experienced, from the de« 
praved vagabonds of the wilderness. 

When St. Louis was under Spanish rule, there 
had sprung up quite a brisk commerce between that 
settlement and New Orleans. But the shores of the 



FRONTIER DESPERADOES -SAVAGE FEROtflTY 323 

majestic Mississippi were then infested by large 
bands of robbers, watching to attack and plunder 
boats, as they ascended and descended the stream 
There were two leaders of one of these large bands, by 
the name of Culbert and Magilbray, who, occupying 
commanding points, were carrying on a regular sys- 
tem of river piracy. 

In the year 1739, ^ merchant by the name of 
BeausoHel, had sailed from New Orleans, in a barge 
richly freighted with goods, bound for St. Lo lis. 
The robbers, pushing out from the shore in their 
light canoes, and well armed, captured the boat with- 
out a struggle. They ordered the owner and the 
crew into the little cabin and fastened them in. 

There was a negro on board, a very remarkable 
man, by the name of Cacasotte. Though carved in 
ebony, he had great beauty of countenance, and 
wonderful grace and strength of person. His native, 
mental endowments were also of a high order. This 
man, Cacasotte, as soon as the barge was taken, as- 
sumed to be greatly overjoyed. He danced, sang 
and laughed, declaring that he would no longer live 
in irksome slavery, but that he would join the band, 
and enjoy liberty among the freebooters as their 
attendant. 

He was so jovial, and so attentive, in anticipating 
all their wants, that he won their confidence, and 



324 CHRISTOPHER CARSO^. 

Hiey all thought that he would be a valuable addl 
tion tc their company. He was thus permitted to 
roam over the boat, unmolested and unwatched. 
He formed a plan in all its details, for the recapture 
of the boat, and the liberation of the crew. This 
plan he succeeded in communicating to his master. 
Mr. Beausoliel had his earthly all in the boat, and he 
also expected that the pirates would take their lives. 
He was therefore ready to adopt any plan, however 
desperate, which gave any promise of success. We 
have the following account given in ** The Great 
West," of the plan the negro formed and of its suc- 
cessful accomplishment. 

" Cacasotte was cook, and it was agreed, between 
him and his fellow conspirators, likewise too negroes, 
that the signal for dinner should also be the signal 
for action. When the hour arrived, the robbers as- 
sembled in considerable numbers on the deck, and 
stationed themselves on the bow and stern and 
along the sides, to prevent any rising of the men. 
Cacasotte went among them with the most uncon- 
cerned demeanor imaginable. As soon as his com- 
rades had taken their assigned stations he placed 
himself at the bow, near one of the robbers, a stout 
herculean fellow, who was armed cap-a-pie. Caca- 
sotte gave the preconcerted signal, and immediately 
the robber near him was struggling in the water 



FRONTIER DESPERADOES — SAVAGE FEROCITY. 325 

With the speed 0/ lightning he ran from one robber 
ro another, as they were fitting on the sides of the 
boat and, in a few seconds' time, had thrown several 
of them overboard. Then seizing an oar he struck 
on the head those who had attempted to save them- 
selves by grappling the running boards. He then 
shot with rifles, which had been dropped on deck, 
those who attempted to swim away. In the mean- 
time his companions had done almost as much exe- 
cution as their leader." 

Thus every one of these robbers found a watery 
grave. Mr. Beausoleil had his property restored to 
him, and pressing all sail went on his way rejoicing. 

A few years after this, about the year 1800, there 
was a noted robber named Mason, who occupied 
what is called, " The Cave in the Rock." Thi» 
renowned cavern was about twenty miles below the 
Wabash river. Its entrance was but a few feet 
above high water-mark, and opened into a very 
remarkable chamber, two hundred feet long, eighty 
feet wide and twenty-five feet high. Throughout 
the whole central length the floor was quite level, 
and on each side of this central aisle the sides rose 
in tiers, like the seats of an amphitheatre. 

This remarkable cave is connected with another 
a little above. Here this Mason, a man of gigantic 
Btature, and of inferior education and intellect had 



326 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

his concealed retreat, with two sons and several 
other desperadoes, organized into a band of land 
and w^ater pirates. With great skill they prosecuted 
their robberies, plundering boats as they descended 
the river, but more often watching the return boats, 
to rob the owners of the money which they had 
received from the sale of their cargoes. 

As the population of the Ohio valley increased, 
Mason deemed it expedient to abandon the Cave in 
the Rock and established himself with his gang, on 
a well known and much frequented trail called the 
Nashville and the Natches Trace. Here his gang 
became the terror of the whole travelling community. 
Sometimes, with his whole band decorated in the 
most gaudy style of Indian warriors, with painted 
faces, and making the forest resound with hideous yells, 
they would swoop down upon a band of travellers, 
inflicting outrages which savages could not exceed. 

The atrocities of which this desperate gang were 
guilty, at length became so frequent and daring, 
accompanied with the most brutal murders, that 
Governor Claiborne, of the Mississippi Territory, 
offered a large reward for the capture of Mason dead 
or aHve. But the wilderness of prairie, forest and 
mountain was very wide. Mason was familiar with 
all its lurking places. For a long time he baffled all 
the efforts of the authorities for his capture. 



FRONTIER DESPERADOES — SAVAGE FEROCITY. 327 

Treachery at last delivered him to the hands of 
justice, or rather brought his ignominious career to a 
close, inflicting upon him the violent and bloody 
death which he had so often inflicted upon peaceful 
^nd innocent merchants and travellers. Two of hia 
own band, tempted by the large reward which was 
'offered, and perhaps maddened by his tyranny, for 
he ruled his gang with a rod of iron, conspired to 
kill him. They watched their opportunity and one 
day, as Mason was counting out the money he had 
just gained by the robbery of some merchants, one 
of them advancing from behind him, struck a hatchet 
into his brain. The accomplices then cut off his 
head, and carried it to the Governor at Washington, 
which was the seat of the Territorial government. 
They received their reward. They, however, received 
another reward which they had not anticipated. 

The proclamation of the governor had contained 
no promise whatever of pardon to any of the gang. 
These two men were immediately arrested, as rob- 
bers and murderers. They were tried, condemned 
and hung. The robber band, thus deprived of its 
leader and of two of its most desperate men. was 
broken up and the wretches dispersed, to fill up the 
measure of their iniquities in other regions. 

But let us again cross the Rocky mountains, and 
contemplate some of the strange scenes of violence 



328 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

and blood which were occurring theie. We have 
mentioned, that Kit Carson had been appointed, by 
Government Indian Commissioner. This gave him 
much satisfaction, for it was an office he felt perfectly 
competent to fill. It also was an evidence that, at 
last, his ability and services had been appreciated. 
He at once accepted the appointment and entered 
upon its duties. 

He soon found the office no sinecure. The 
Apaches began to commit depredations upon the 
property of the settlers in the northern part of New 
Mexico. Some of the citizens fell a sacrifice to their 
barbarity. Mr. Carson at once sent Lieutenant Bell, 
a United States officer, with quite a force of drag- 
oons, in pursuit of them. Although the red men 
were quite willing to scalp peaceful and unarmed cit- 
izens, when they found their own ranks torn and 
bleeding by the balls of their foes, and their chiefs 
biting the dust in the death agony, then courage 
gave place to terror, and flight became their re- 
source. 

Not long after, news came to Mr. Carson that 
another insurrection had appeared among the 
Apaches. They were encamped about twenty mile* 
from Taos, upon quite a Httle ridge of mountains. 
Mr. Carson proceeded unattended, to their lodges, 
to meet the chiefs for a friendly talk Having been 



FRONTIER DESPERADOES — SAVAGE FEROCITY. 329 

among them for so many years, he was well known 
by nearly all the Rocky mountain tribes. Mr. Car- 
son, by his gentle words and his personal influence, 
succeeded in pacifying them, and obtaining promises 
of friendly relations. Hardly had he .eft their 
lodges, when the treachery of the Indian became 
manifested in new crimes and barbarities. Carson^ 
distrusting them, was not unprepared ; but with a 
band of tried men inflicted such blows as were not 
soon forgotten. 

Lieutenant Davidson was not long after this sent 
with a force of sixty United States Dragoons, to at- 
tack and dislodge an encampment in the mountains. 
They were all men who understood Indian character 
and warfare. Repairing to their fastnesses, they 
found the Indians well posted, and expecting a visit 
from the white men. Two hundred and more war- 
riors were on the highest crags of the hills. 

The Indian loves a palaver or talk ; and the 
Lieutenant sent one or two men to endeavor to 
settle affairs thus amicably. But the savages, per- 
ceiving the inferior numbers of the white men, were 
not inclined to be communicative, or to listen to 
peaceful terms. Fight, blood, scalps, they thirsted 
for, and those they would have. 

Perceiving that no pacific measures would avail, 
Lieutenant Davidson tried the effect of powder and* 



330 CHRISTOrifF.R CARSJN. 

lead Many of the warriors fell dead, but the sava* 
ges were so many and so fierce, that the odds were 
against the troops. In danger of being surrounded 
and of thus sacrificing the whole of his little armyj 
Davidson decided to retreat down the mountains. 
Being hotly pursued he was obliged to contest eve^'y 
foot of his way. Trees, rocks, stumps were, as usual, 
Indian breastworks. With their unerring aim, they 
laid low twenty of the soldiers. Most of the other 
forty of Davidson's command were more or less 
severely wounded. Bravely the poor fellows fought, 
though unsuccessfully They however escaped to 
Taos. 

The people in Taos were much distressed, hi 
learning of this disastrous termination of the battle 
The next day they sent wagons to convey the re- 
mains of the fallen soldiers to a proper burial place 
On reaching the spot, they found the inhuman sav- 
ages had, as usual, mutilated the remains of every 
one, and had stripped them of their clothing. Not 
long after several Apaches appeared in the streets 
of a small Mexican settlement, clad in the garments 
of the slain dragoons, and afforded much amusement 
to the people by their grotesque appearance, and 
awkward endeavors to imitate military etiquette and 
courtesy. 

As is always the case in every military disastei 



FRONTIER DESPERADOES — SAVAGE FEROCITY. J3J 

Lieutenant Davidson's conduct has been assailed 
But the evidence of the men of his command was, 
that his coolness in difficulty, his courage in danger, 
and his judgment in the retreat entitle him to 
credit, not censure. Mr. Carson does not justify 
the unkind accusations against him, but says : 

'^ I am intimately acquainted with Lieutenant 
Davidson, and have been in engagements with him, 
where he has taken a prominent part, and can testify 
that he is as brave and discreet as it is possible for a 
man to be. Nearly every person engaged in, and 
who survived that day's bloody battle, has since 
told me, that his commanding officer never once 
sought shelter, but stood manfully exposed to the 
aim of the Indians, encouraging his men, and appa- 
rently unmindful of his own Hfe. It was, however, in 
the retreat they say that he acted the most gallantly, 
for when every thing was going badly with the sol- 
diers, he was as cool and collected as if under the 
guns of his fort. The only anxiety he exhibited 
was for the safety of his remaining men." 

The Apaches left the region at once, wisely fear- 
ing retribution at the hand of their foes. Mr. Carson, 
in travelling homeward from Santa Fe, saw no trace 
of them. But their barbarities were not forgotten 
and new and more vigorous measures were taken to 
reduce them to submission. 



332 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

Colonel Cook was appointed comma ider of thii 
new expedition. Mr. Carson accompanied him. 
Forty Mexicans and several Pueblc Indians joined 
the party under the command of Mr. James H. 
Quinn. Passing on in a northerly direction, they 
came to a small river emptying into the Rio del 
Norte. This was a wild mountain stream, swollen 
into a foaming torrent, by melting snows and re« 
cent rains. But it must be crossed. It was perilous, 
for the bed was rocky and the current rapid. 

Carson took the lead, piloting over party after 
party in safety. Arriving on the shore, they found a 
bold perpendicular bluff several hundred feet high 
confronting them. Pursuing a zigzag trail around 
the eminence, the top was at last reached, and they 
emerged into a rough country, broken by ravines 
and hills. Passing a day at a small Mexican village, 
they set off, the next morning, in search of the 
Apaches. Carson's keen, quick eye caught the trail, 
and rapidly they pursued their way for a couple of 
days, when they overtook the Indians, leisurely 
resting in one of their small villages. The horses of 
the savages were fresh, and remembering the death- 
dealing rifle of the white man, most of the Indiana 
saved themselves by flight. The steeds of the sol- 
diers were too weary for pursuit. Yet many Indian 
warriors were struck down by the bullets of their pur- 



FRONTIER DESPERADOES — SAVAGE FEROCITY. 333 

suers, and the horses and camp furniture of the sav- 
ages, such as it was, fell into the hands of Colonel 
Cook's party. Mr. Carson describing these eventf 
Mys : 

*' To Captain Sykes, who commanded the In- 
fantry, is due the greatest amount of praise for the 
part he acted in our adventures. When his men 
were almost broken down with sore feet, long and 
difficult marches, want of provisions, the coldness of 
the weather, and with their clothing nearly worn out, 
and when they were on the point of giving up in 
despair, they were prevented from so doing by wit- 
nessing the noble example set them by their captain. 
He showed them what a soldier's duty really was, 
and this so touched their pride that they hobbled 
along as if determined to follow him until death re- 
lieved them from their sufferings. 

" Although this officer had a riding animal at his 
disposal, yet never for once did he mount him ; but 
instead lent the horse to some deserving soldier who 
was on the point of succumbing to over\vork. 
When the Indian village was discovered, he cheered 
his men from a limping walk into a sort of run, and 
dashing through a swollen mountain stream, which 
was nearly up to their armpits, and full of floating 
ice, he was, with his company, the foremost in the at* 
tack.*' 



334 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

Night put a stop to the pursuit. The next 
morning, at an early hour, Colonel Cook's dragoons 
were again in motion, following, under the guidance 
of Mr. Carson, the fresh trail of the routed Indians. 
On and still on they pressed for many weary leagues, 
through valleys and over snow-clad mountains, until 
they found that it was impossible to overtake the red 
men. The sagacious Indians broke up their party 
into small squads of two and three and scattered in 
all directions. To continue the pursuit would be 
like chasing " a flea upon the mountains." 

The Indians had manifested a great deal, not of 
cunning only, but of intelligence in their flight. It 
was their manifest object to lead their pursuers 
through the most difficult paths, that both men and 
horses might be worn out by the ruggedness of the 
way. Very often they would pursue a route so cir- 
cuitous, through wild gorges and over mountain tor- 
rents, that Colonel Cook would often find himself 
bivouacking at night, but a short distance from the 
spot which he had left in the morning. The Indians 
were perfectly familiar with the country and could 
travel with much greater ease than could the white 
men. 

Colonel Cook, finding that nothing could be ac- 
complished by the further continuance of the pur- 
suit, turned back and sought a refuge for his sot 



FRONTIER DESPERADOES — SAVAGE FEROc:iTV, 335 

diers from the toils and hardships of their campaign, 
in the little Mexican town of Abiguire, about sixty 
miles northwest from Sante Fe, on a tributary of the 
Rio del Norte. 

On his march back. Colonel Cook had encounter- 
ed and captured an Indian warrior, whom he sup- 
posed to be one of the hostile Apaches. The Indian 
was deprived of his horse and arms, and treat- 
ed as a captive. He made his escape. Afterwards 
it was learned that he belonged to the friendly Utah 
tribe. Colonel Cook, regretting the mistake, and 
fearing that it might induce the Utahs to join the 
Apaches, very wisely decided to do his duty, and 
make an apology and reparation. 

Kit Carson was, of course, employed as the am- 
bassador of peace. He sent an Indian runner to the 
principal village of the Utahs, with the request that 
their chief would hold a council with him. They all 
knew him, loved him, and familiarly called him 
" Father Kit." 

The council met, Mr. Carson explained the mis. 
take and expressed the deepest regret, that through 
ignorance, one of their friendly braves had been cap- 
tured, and treated like an enemy. He assured 
them of his readiness to make ample reparation for 
the wrong. 

*• My countrymen,'* he said, ** do not wish to do 



33<3 CHRISTOPHER CARS 3M. 

you any injury. They hope that you will overlooli 
this accident. They do not ask this through fear. 
The warriors of the Utah are but a handful, when 
compared with those of their Great Father. But 
they wish to live with you as brothers. The country 
is large enough for both." 

The Indians seemed ever ready to listen to rea- 
son. They were satisfied with the explanation, and 
declared that their hearts were no longer inimical to 
their pale face brothers. Thus another Indian war 
was averted. Had the Indians always been treated 
with this spirit of justice and conciliation, humanitj^ 
«rould have been saved from innumerable woes. 



CHAPTER XVIIl. 
The Last Days of Kit Carson. 

Tkc Hunting Party. — Profits of Sheep Raising. — Govenimental Ap- 
pointment. — Carson's Talk with the Apaches. — His Home ta 
Taos. — His Character. — Death of Christopher Carson. 

We left Mr. Carson at his farm in Razado. Af- 
ter a short time he organized a pleasure hunting- 
party of eighteen of his most highly esteemed com- 
panions of former years. It was unanimously voted 
that the excursion should not be one of boy's play 
but of man's. It was Carson's last trapping excur- 
sion. Each trapper felt that he was bidding fare- 
well to the streams and valleys, where in past years, 
he had encountered so many exciting adventures. 

*^The boldest and one of the longest routes, 
known to their experienced footsteps, was selected. 
It comprised many of the mighty rivers of the Rocky 
mountains, every one of which was almost a hunt- 
ing ground by itself. Onward, over the wild and 
broad plains, this band of stalwart men, brave and 
kindred spirits, dashed. They soon put several miles 



33i:> CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

between them and the comfortable firesides of Ra. 
xado 

" Ir a short time the well remembered waters of 
the South Platte were descried. Their practiced 
eyes soon discovered the oft noted ** signs of the 
beaver." The beaver had increased in great num- 
bers. The party continued working down this 
stream, through the plains of Laramie to the New 
Park ; and thence on to the Old Park. They trap« 
ped a large number of their old streams, until finally 
the expedition was terminated on the Arkansas 
river. The hunt proved very successful. With a 
large stock of furs, they returned in safety to Raza 
do, via the Raton mountains, which are spurs of the 
great Rocky chain." 

This expedition occupied several months. Mr 
Carson now devoted himself assiduously to farming, 
and especially to raising flocks and herds. In Au- 
gust, 1853, he drove, aided by many well armed at» 
tendants, a flock of six thousand five hundred sheep 
to California, where he sold them for five dollars and 
fifty cents a head. His knowledge of the country 
was such, that he was enabled to follow a route 
which gave them* good pasturage all the way. 

At San Francisco, Kit Carson found himself an 
object of universal attention. His renown had pre- 
ceded him The steamboats gave him a free pass 



THE LAST DAYS OF KIT CARSON. 339 

All places of amusement were open to him. Where* 
ever he went he was pointed out as the man to 
whom California was under the greatest obligations. 
Still he retained his modesty and integrity uisul- 
iied. Soon after his return to Razado, he received 
the unexpected and very gratifying intelligence, that 
he had been appointed by the United States Gov 
ernment, Indian Agent. 

The duties of this difficult and responsible office 
he performed with remarkable wisdom and success. 
Whenever his counsel was followed it, was attended 
with the desired results. Whenever it was rejected 
disaster was sure to ensue His knowledge of In- 
dian customs was such, that more than once he pre- 
sented himself entirely alone at the council fire of 
exasperated warriors, and urged upon them peace. 
On one of these occasions he learned that an angry 
band of Apache warriors were encamped among the 
mountains, but about fifty miles from his home. He 
knew the chiefs. He was familiar with their lan- 
guage. Though he knew that they were in a state 
of great exasperation, and that they were preparing 
to enter upon the war-path, he mounted his horse 
and rode thither, without even an attendant. The 
chiefs received him with sullen looks ; but they lis- 
tened patiently to his speech. 

"The course you are pursuing,'' said he, " will lead 



340 ciiKi>T(jriit:R cak^j^n. 

to your inevitable and total destruction. Voiir tribe 
will be exterminated. Your Great Father has thou- 
sands upon thousands of soldiers. He can easily re- 
place those who fall in battle. It is not so with you. 
When your warriors are killed, you have no others to 
place in their moccasins. You must wait for the 
children to grow up. 

" Your Great Father loves his children. He 
wishes to give you rich presents. I am his servant to 
bring those presents to you. We wish to live in 
peace, that we may help one another." 

This conciliatory speech softened their hearts for 
a time, and they all, with seeming cordiaHty, came 
forward and professed friendship. The great diffi- 
culty, in our intercourse with the Indians, has beei> 
that the wilderness has been filled with miserable 
vagabonds, who were ever perpetrating innumerable 
outrages, robbing them, and treating them in all re- 
spects, in the most shameless manner. Even civilized 
men, in war, will often retaliate, by punishing the 
innocent for the crimes of the guilty. It is not 
strange that untutored Indians, having received 
atrocious wrongs from one band of white men, 
should wreak their vengeance on the next band whom 
they chanced to encounter. 

Mr. Carson, in addition to his farm at Razada, had 
what may be called his city residence in the strag 



THE r.AST DAYS OF KIT CARSON. 34I 

^Img old town of Taos. It is said that a traveller 
upon entering these crooked streets, lined with one 
story buildings of sun-baked bricks, is reminded of a 
number of brick-kilns, previous to being burnt, all 
huddled together without any regard to order. As 
in all Spanish towns, there is a large public square in 
the centre. 

Mr. Carson's house faced this square on the west 
side. Though but one story in height, it spread over 
a large extent of ground. It was one of the largest 
and most commodious houses in the place. Every 
body who went to Taos, Indians as well as white 
men, felt bound to call upon " Father Kit," as he was 
familiarly called. To the Indian, particularly, he 
was ever a true friend and benefactor. He knew, as 
no other man knew, how terrible his wrongs, — not 
from the government, — but from the vagabond des- 
peradoes of the wilderness. Never was his patience 
exhausted by their long visits, and never was he 
weary of listening to their harangues. It has ever 
been with him a constant effort to warn them against 
the use of intoxicating drink — that " fire water" which 
has so long been consuming the Indian, body and 
soul. 

Whenever the government had any important or 
delicate mission to preform among the Indians, the 
services of Mr Carson were sure to be called into 



342 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

requisition. Thus he entered upon the evening ol 
his days, honored and beloved by all who knew him 
These peaceful hours were probably the happiest of 
his life. We have no detailed account of his last 
sickness and death. He breathed his last at Fort 
Lyon, in Colorado, on the twenty-third of May, 1868, 
in the sixtieth year of his age. The immediate 
cause of his death, was an aneurism of an artery in 
the neck. Thus passed away one of the most illus 
trious of the '' Pioneers and Patriots " of America 
His name deserves to be held in perpetual remcm 
brance. 



CHAPTER XIX. 
The Last Hours of Kit Carson, 

TiiH following letter, received since the publication of the first edition, 
gives an interesting account of the last hours of Mr. Carson from 
the physician who was with him when he died. 



" Fort Wadsworth, 

New York Harbor 

January^ ythy 1874. 



■■\ 



Mr. John S. C. Abbott, 

Fairhaven, Conn. 



''Dear Sir :— 

** I have just read your interesting life of Kit 
Carson, and write to give you a short account of his 
last sickness and death. I first met him at the house 
of a mutual friend, not far from Fort Lyon, C. T., late 
in the Fall of 1867. He had then recently left the 
service of the U. S., having been colonel of a regi- 
ment of New-Mexican volunteers during the war of 
the rebellion. 

" As I was a successful amateur trapper, he threw 
off all reserve, and greeted me with more than usual 
warmth, saying, ' the happiest days of my life were 



544 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

spent in trapping.' He gave me many practical hintg 
on trapping and huntiig. 

" He was then complaining of a pain in his chest 
the origin of which he attributed to a fall received in 
x86o. It happened while he was descending a moun- 
tain. The declivity was so steep that he led his 
horse by the lariat, intending, if the horse fell to throw 
it from him. 

" The horse did fall, and although he let go the 
lariat, it caught him and carried him a number of 
feet, and severely bruised him. 

" In the Spring of 1868, he took charge of a party 
of Ute Indians, and accompanied them to Washing- 
ton and other cities, going as far east as Boston. 
He consulted a number of physicians while on the 
trip. 

" It was a great tax on his failing strength to make 
this journey; but he was ever ready to promote the 
welfare of the Utes, who regarded him in the light of 
a father. 

" I saw him in April, 1868. His disease, aneurism 
of the aorta, had progressed rapidly ; and the tumor 
ptessing on the pneumo-gastric nerves and trachea, 
caused frequent spasms of the bronchial tubes which 
were exceedingly distressing. 

" On the 27th of April, Mrs. Carson died very 
suddenly, leaving seven children, the youngest only 



THE LAST HOURS OF KIT CARSON. 345 

two weeks old. Mrs. Carson was tall and spare, and 
had evidently been a very handsome woman ; she 
was thirty-eight years old at the time of her death, 
and he informed me that they had been married 
twenty-five years. Her sudden death had a yery 
depressing effect upon him. 

" I called frequently to see him ; and as he was 
living on the south side of the Arkansas River five 
miles from Fort Lyon where I was stationed, and the 
Spring rise coming on, making the fording difficult, 
I suggested that he be brought to my quarters, which 
was done on the 14th day of May. 

" This enabled me to make his condition much more 
comfortable. In the interval of his paroxysms, he 
beguiled the time by relating past experiences. I 
read Dr. Peters' book, with the hero for my auditor; 
from time to time, he would comment on the incidents 
of his eventful life. 

" It was wonderful to read of the stirring scenes, 
thrilling deeds, and narrow escapes, and then look at 
the quiet, modest, retiring, but dignified little man 
v*-ho had done so much. 

" You are perfectly correct in describing Carson as 
a gentleman. He was one of nature's noblemen — 
a true man in all that consitutes manhood — pure — 
honorable — truthful — sincere — of noble impulses, a 
ttue knight-errant ever ready to defend the weal< 
IS'* 



340 CHRISTOPHER CARSON. 

against the strong, without reward other than his 
own conscience. 

" Carson had great contempt for noisy braggarts 
and shams of every sort. 

*' His disease rapidly progressed and he calmly con- 
templated his appraaching death. Several times he 
repeated the remark, * If it was not for this,* point- 
ing to his chest ; * I might Hve to be a hundred years 
old; 

" I explained to him the probable mode of termi- 
nation of his disease : * that he might die from suf- 
focation or more probably the aneurism would burst 
and cause death by hemorrhage. He expressed a 
decided preference for the latter mode. His attacks 
of dyspnoea were horrible, threatening immediate dis- 
solution. I was compelled to give chloroform to 
relieve him, at considerable risk of hastening a fatal 
result ; but he begged me not to let him suffer such 
tortures, and if I killed him by chloroform while at- 
tempting relief, it would be much better than death 
by suffocation. 

" Once, he remarked : * What am I to do, I can't 
get along without a doctor?' 

" I re.pHed, ' Til take care of you.' 

* He, smiling, said, 'You must think I am not going 
to live long.* 

The night preceding death he spent more com- 



TllE LAST HOURS UF Kit CARSON. 347 

fortably than he had for days before. He was obliged 
to sit up nearly all the time. He coughed up a slight 
amount of blood during the night, and a very little 
in the forenoon. 

" In the afternoon, while I was lying down on his 
bed and he was Hstening to Mr Sherrick, he sud- 
denly called out * Doctor, Compadre, Adios : ' 

** I sprang to him and seeing a gush of blood pour- 
ing from his mouth, remarked, * this is the last of the 
general ; * I supported his forehead on my hand, while 
death speedily closed the scene. 

" The aneurism had ruptured into the trachea 
Death took place at 4. 25 P. M., May 23rd 1868. 

Mr. Carson was a small man not over five feet 
six inches tall, with gray eyes, light-brown hair tinged 
with gray ; his head was large ; forehead high and 
broad ; his nose somewhat retrousse. He had a 
good broad chest and a compact form. He had been 
a remarkably quick active man and what he lacked 
in strength, he made up in agility. It is related of 
him, that while he was in command of his regiment 
and on a campaign against the Navajo Indians, he 
would leave camp very early each morning, taking his 
Ute Indian scouts, and let his lieutenant-colonel 
take charge of the regiment ; before the command 
would have time to come up with the fugitive enemy. 
Carson and his Utes had finished the fighting. 



j^g CHRISTOPHER CAKSON. 

-I am under the impression that the Navajo na- 
tion, numbering 8,000 or 10,000 people were so seveie- 
ly pressed by Kit Carson, that they surrendered to 
him, and were put on a government reservation, 
where they remained under mitlitary control, for 
several years. Within the last three years they have 
been permitted to return to the country formerly oc- 
cupied by them ; but I am not positive of the above. 
-Carson was made a brigadier-general of volun- 
teers by brevet, at the close of the rebeUion. 

- Shortly after coming to my quarters he made 
his will, and left property to the value of seven thou- 
sand dollars to his children. 

" No post-mortem was made. The pulse at the 
right radial artery was very indistinct, while the left 
continued good. 

" I have been thus minute, thinking that while 
writing his Ufe,you had grown to love him, as all 
who knew him certainly cherished great affection fei 

^^^ ''Yours Truly, 

"H. R. TiLTON, 

^Ass*t Surgeon U, S. Arnty^ 



THE END. 



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